June 17 was Lemonade Day in Bashaw.
An initiative spurred by Community Futures East Parkland, Lemonade Day was put forward as a way for kids to learn the basics of entrepreneurship by creating their own businesses. In this case, the businesses were lemonade stands.
“The foremost objective of Lemonade Day is to empower youth to take ownership of their lives and become productive members of society – the business leaders, social advocates, volunteers, and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow,” said Kate Gislason, the Community Futures economic development officer, via email.
Youth interested in participating in Lemonade Day had to sign up through Community Futures and attend “Lemon University” where they learned how to create a budget, how to set profit goals, how to serve customers, repay investors and give back to the community. The youth were also required to get a business licence from the town.
“Along the way, kids acquire skills in goal setting, problem-solving, and gain self-esteem critical for future success,” said Gislason.
Nine registered lemonade stands were set up in Bashaw at various places around town.
The day included the booths being judged by a panel including the town’s mayor, Rob McDonald; the Best Stand Award went to Sweet N Sour Hour operated by Elise Wilson, Best Tasting Lemonade was awarded to Think Pink Lemonade operated by Yvette Reelie, and the Entrepreneur of the Area went to Cosmic Lemonade, operated by Gryphon Swystun.
Lemonade Day was first brought into Alberta in 2018 by a different Community Futures office; since that time, the day has grown to include 13 different communities.
The local Community Futures got involved at the request of the Bashaw Chamber president, Stacey Trombley, who had heard about the Lemonade Day program and wanted to try and bring it to the community.
Bashaw wasn’t the only central-Alberta community to have Lemonade Day Brought to it; Community Futures partnered with Castor’s Battle River Innovation Centre to have the program brought to that community as well.
Bashaw Mayor Rob McDonald presents the Best Stand Award to Elise Wilson, who had the Sweet N Sour Hour Lemonade stand located near the Bashaw bar. (Photo submitted)
