Bossier is the biggest small town in Louisiana, and that unique disposition has created crumbs of knowledge that you can only learn by living in it. 

Outsiders might refer to it as hidden gems or even secrets, but there are a lot of common understandings that only locals know about the towns, parish, community, and culture of Bossier.

Here are 5 things only locals would know about Bossier:

1. How to pronounce Bossier

If you’ve ever taken a call from a telemarketer, they probably asked if you lived in “Boss-e-eh” City. Or “Boss-e-air” City. But the locals, who either grew up or are located here, know that it’s pronounced “Bo-zur.”

Locals also know the parish and the mall are named for Gen. Pierre Bossier, who was working for the government when they were drawing parish lines in Louisiana, and one was named for him. The first generation of Bossiers came to the United States from France where Bossier was pronounced “Bo-sjay.”However, Pierre himself changed the pronunciation to its current pronunciation.

2. The sound of freedom

You don’t have to be in Bossier long to notice a loud roar multiple times per day. You’ve probably been on a phone call outside somewhere when that roar drowned out your conversation.

The locals refer to that as the “sound of freedom” because the roar is from aircraft taking off from Barksdale Air Force Base. Not only is Barksdale AFB home to the 2nd Bomb Wing, the 8th Air Force, and Air Force Global Strike Command, but it is a cornerstone of the community as the biggest economic engine for the parish. So, while the sound of freedom can be loud and a little distracting, locals know that sound represents not only national security, but thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy.

3. Bossier has a thriving food scene

Local foodies know Bossier has a wide range of great, local restaurants to choose from. The James Beard Award-nominated Lucky Palace offers up Chinese food with a gourmet twist and the largest wine selection in the parish. Silver Star offers up traditional barbecue in a semi-formal setting made with fresh ingredients and homemade sides, including their world-famous cheesy au gratin potatoes. Flying Heart Brewing and Pub has craft brews ranging from blondes to stouts with seasonal brews, while slinging unique and freshly made pizzas, stromboli, cheese bread, pretzels, and various flavors of chicken wings. For a hidden gem and date night spot, La Dolce Vita has traditional Italian dishes — specials include braised beef ravioli with lamb chops and regular seafood pastas — with wines in a formal setting

4. Mardi Gras is an unofficial holiday for Bossier

Mardi Gras may be heavily associated with New Orleans, but carnival season is a way of life for the northwest corner of the state. Mardi Gras in Bossier has strong roots with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bossier City joining forces in 1990 to bring the south Louisiana tradition to northwest Louisiana. 

The Krewe of Gemini, a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers, was subsequently formed as the first parading Krewe in Bossier-Shreveport and hosted its first parade Feb. 24, 1990. That rich history is on display with their museum in Bossier City. The Krewe of Gemini parades, regalia, throws, and costumes from the various celebrations in north Louisiana are on display. Every year, the Krewe also hosts a family-friendly, smaller-scale carnival event with their float loading party, which takes place at the museum on the Friday night before the annual parade. The parade rolls in Shreveport every year and gives locals a taste of the traditional Mardi Gras celebrations.

5. Bossier is more than Bossier City

When the largest city in Bossier Parish is named Bossier City, it’s easy to shorthand that “Bossier” refers to the city and not the parish. But locals are quick to identify that they hail from Bossier before claiming Bossier City, Benton, or Haughton. Locals are proud of where they live but see their home as larger than their town or city. They know their neighbors are more than those who live next door or down the street, that their hometown encompasses all of Bossier Parish. 

Perhaps the biggest, and most important, thing a local would know is that Bossier — no matter how you pronounce it — means “community.”