By Karolyn Gephart
Lemonade Day in Friendswood has been proclaimed by Mayor Mike Foreman as August 20, 2020. On this day it will begin virtually and continue until August 23.
Planned for May 2 originally, Lemonade Day is a free fun, experiential learning program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business – a lemonade stand. The stands not only help them earn their own money but they also provide real world business experience, creativity, adaptability and resourcefulness.
But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole concept for children had to take a different turn. The adaptation needed to provide local cities, such as Friendswood, with online resources, tools, education and an alternative approach so children this year can still have an experience of learning without the creation of a physical stand.
“While current conditions may not allow for lemonade stands and customer interaction in the traditional sense, the lessons learned throughout the Lemonade Day program can still help educate our young entrepreneurs on personal and financial responsibility,” Lemonade Day Friendswood co-chair Jim Foreman said.
The new free, digital program is named Lemonopolis. A team of kid entrepreneurs who got their start participating in Lemonade Day and creating stands in their hometowns present ideas and tools designed to teach other kids how to launch their own business.
Prizes will be given for Best Lemonade Recipe, Best Lemonade Stand and Brand, and Entrepreneur of the Year.
Local sponsors include Presenting Sponsor UTMB Health. Main Squeeze Sponsor is Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.
Fresh Squeeze Sponsors are ACU of Texas Association Credit Union and HomeTown Bank of Friendswood.
Lemon Zest Sponsors include Ron Carter Cadillac/Hyundai and TopGolf.
Lemon Drop Sponsors include Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists, FJH Custodial Services LLC, Check’n Bottom Outfitters LLC, Marcantel Insurance, Raymond James, and Mike & Lorrie Foreman.
Winners, recipes and feedback will be posted on the Lemonade Day Facebook page for Friendswood.