Zachary’s annual ZFest was held Wednesday, March 23 - Sunday, March 27, and was a huge success. The Zachary Chamber of Commerce's biggest fundraiser of the year was held at Zachary Youth Park and featured entertainment, rides, games, food, arts and crafts and plenty more.

On Wednesday, opening night ceremonies began with a balloon release by elementary students from Zachary and opening words by Chris Calbert, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Zachary. Entertainment for the night featured performances by the 10 Zachary Idol finalists, and judges named 14-year-old Lexie Everett of Prairieville the winner. (See page 6)

Thursday night was oldies night and featured a classic car show, oldies music, a Veterans' recognition, performances by ZHS Color Guard, ROTC, Northwestern Middle School Swing Kids and Anita LeBlanc and Westbound Train. (See story, page 6)

The Zachary High School football team kicked off Friday night's festivities with a Show of Strength on the main stage followed by a water balloon toss by the Lady Bronco softball team. Later, Copper Mill Elementary’s jump rope team Fleur de Feet wowed festival attendees with their awesome jumping skills.

Musical entertainment followed with Mark Klein & the Sensations who performed on the main stage.

The Broken Rubber Band closed out the night with a rockin’ set!

On Saturday, the King Creole Orchestra performed jazz for the afternoon crowd, and the Children's Moving company and CME choir also preformed.

The ZFest Top Dog contest was held later that afternoon and was emceed by Jeanne Burns of Channel 9 News who is also a Zachary resident.

The top three winners in Best in Show were Quincey, Brenda Lee and Scout and were chosen by judges Mayor David Amrhein, Councilman Francis Nezianya and Danette Castello

Categories awarded were owner/dog look-alike, best costume, best looking, ugliest, most colorful coat and best Mardi Gras costume.

The ZHS cheerleaders competed Saturday evening followed by the Bronco baseball team who was introduced by head coach Jesse Cassard.

Festival attendees enjoyed evening performances by Alanna Rae' and JB and Friends who closed out the night.

On Sunday, ZFest opened with a second full day of arts and crafts.