Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier City Lions Club held a special weekly luncheon Thursday, Aug. 27, as members welcomed the young women selected to represent their schools as the 2026 Bossier City Lions Club High School Football Jamboree queens.
The luncheon brought together the Jamboree queens, their families and members of the Lions Club as the community prepared for the 73rd annual Bossier City Lions Club High School Football Jamboree, scheduled for Friday evening at M.D. Ray Field at Airline High School Stadium.
Representing the participating Bossier Parish schools were Isabella Jordan of Haughton High School, Malecia Bailey of Airline High School, Preslee Robinson of Benton High School, Kenzie Waggoner of Parkway High School, Lucinda Rae Palma of Bossier High School and Jakayla Douglas of Plain Dealing High School.
The annual Queens Luncheon is one of several traditions held during Jamboree Week. The event gives the Lions Club an opportunity to recognize the young women selected by their schools while also welcoming their parents and families to the celebration.
The Football Jamboree itself has been a Bossier Parish tradition for generations. First held Aug. 27, 1954, the original event featured eight teams competing in four games. Over the past 73 years, the Jamboree has continued to bring together students, families, alumni and football fans from throughout Bossier Parish.
For many local residents, the event has become part of the tradition surrounding the start of the high school football season, with generations of students having participated in the Jamboree as athletes, cheerleaders, band members, queens or supporters.
Beyond the excitement on the football field, proceeds from the annual event support parish high schools, football programs and college scholarships. The Bossier City Lions Club also uses its fundraising efforts to support vision screenings for children, provide eyeglasses for those in need and assist organizations including the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation and the Louisiana Lions Children’s Camp for children with special needs.
The Queens Luncheon followed another longstanding Jamboree Week tradition, the annual coaches fish fry, where area football coaches are recognized and an assistant coach is honored for contributions to their program.
Founded in 1927, the Bossier City Lions Club has served the community for nearly a century through fundraising events, youth programs, vision services and assistance for those in need.
As the club welcomed the 2026 Jamboree queens and their families, the special luncheon served as a celebration of both the students representing their schools and a Bossier Parish tradition that has continued for more than seven decades.