When Life Gives You Lemons

Last weekend, lemonade stands dotted the streets of Lubbock as young entrepreneurs showcased their creativity and business skills during Lubbock’s annual Lemonade Day. 

From 9 am to 7 pm, Lubbock was buzzing as stands popped up in neighborhoods, shopping centers, parks, local businesses, and of course, United Family stores. With pitchers of fresh-squeezed lemonade, homemade signage, and infectious enthusiasm, these entrepreneurs hit it out of the park! 

What makes Lubbock Lemonade Day so special is its emphasis on engagingly teaching youth important life skills. Participants are encouraged to create business plans, set goals, manage budgets, and provide ultimate guest service—valuable lessons that will serve them well in the future. 

But Lemonade Day isn’t just about business but Lubbock community spirit and support. Seeing the community, friends, and loved ones come together to celebrate the youth is heartwarming. 

Lemonade entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend the many Lemonade Day preparation events each year! 

Lemonade Day Launch – Lubbock’s YWCA hosted a ribbon cutting in March 2024 to launch preparations for Lemonade Day. The launch was open to interested parents and students, and a lemonade toast culminated the celebration! 

• Bank Loan Day – First United Bank hosted and taught children how to take out a small business loan for their lemonade stand. Children who attended completed a business plan, spoke with a loan officer, and applied for a small business loan. The Lubbock Health Department was also on hand to issue health permits to those who served hot food at their stands. 
• Create Your Stand – Participants visit McCoy’s Building Supply to create their lemonade stand! Children can also shop for supplies and browse suggested shopping lists. 
• Big Squeeze – Held at Market Street #553, lemonade entrepreneurs and parents picked up their t-shirts, met Lemi the Lemonhead, and obtained their health permits if needed. 
• Wrap-Up Pool Party – To celebrate the Lemonade Day hard work and success, Sun ‘N Fun hosted a pool party for the children who sold lemonade.

Beyond the refreshing lemonade and tasty treats, the true sweetness of the day lies in the invaluable lessons learned and memories made on Lemonade Day. Here’s to the next generation of business leaders – may they continue to dream big, work hard, and always remember the joy of squeezing lemons into lemonade.