From homemade lemonade to bags of candy and plenty of entrepreneurial spirit, young business owners were busy across the Lakeland as communities celebrated Lemonade Day.

The annual event gives children an opportunity to learn firsthand what it takes to run a business, from managing money and serving customers to marketing products and building confidence.

Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr spent part of the day visiting one of the many lemonade stands operating throughout the constituency and said the program continues to be one of his favourite community events.

“One of the things I enjoy most about Lemonade Day is seeing young people learn valuable skills that will serve them well throughout their lives,” Cyr said.

Learning business one cup at a time

Lemonade Day encourages participants to develop and operate their own small businesses, teaching lessons in entrepreneurship, budgeting, customer service and responsibility.

Cyr noted that the program appears to be growing throughout the region.

“Last year, I visited a stand in St. Paul, and it was great to see the program continue to grow,” he said. “This year, it was encouraging to see Lemonade Day being celebrated throughout the constituency.”

Young entrepreneurs impress customers

One stop took Cyr to a lemonade stand set up outside Titans, where he met Eliax, Axel, Exander and Aycen.

The group was busy serving customers and promoting their products while gaining real-world experience running a business.

According to Cyr, the young entrepreneurs were more than capable salespeople.

“Their lemonade was excellent, and they even convinced me to leave with a couple of bags of candy as well,” he joked. “I went for a lemonade and somehow ended up making a larger purchase than I had planned.”

As for their lemonade recipe, the boys weren’t interested in sharing.

“I also tried to get their secret lemonade recipe, but they weren’t willing to give up their trade secrets to their MLA,” Cyr said.

Building confidence and community

Beyond selling lemonade, organizers say the program helps young people develop skills that can benefit them for years to come.

Participants learn the value of hard work, customer service, financial literacy and community involvement while earning their own money and having fun.

“What makes Lemonade Day so special is that it encourages young people to earn their own money, learn valuable business skills, and give back to their communities,” Cyr said.

A bright future ahead

The event also relies on support from parents, volunteers, sponsors and community members who stop by stands throughout the day.

Cyr thanked everyone involved and said the enthusiasm shown by participants offers a glimpse of the region’s future.

“The future is bright when we see this kind of initiative, creativity, and community spirit from our youth,” he said.

Across Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul and surrounding communities, Lemonade Day once again proved that some of the region’s smallest businesses can leave the biggest impression.