Raising more than just stands

BASTROP — The city is set to get a little bit sweeter and bring out the entrepreneur in Bastrop’s youth.

The nationally recognized program, Lemonade Day, is coming to Bastrop May 4. The experiential program teaches young learners how to start, own and operate their own business through classic lemonade stands.

“Lemonade Day has developed a playbook to unlock youth potential and talent through opportunity creation. Our program is infused with life skills, business and financial literacy, character education, career exploration and mentorship,” said Nicole Cassier- Mason, chief executive officer of Lemonade Day National. “This approach builds 21st century skills, improves self-esteem, provides social-emotional learning and plants the seed of innovation to create new mindsets.”

Children who register are given access to the Lemonade Day app, where they can find a location from a set of sponsors and are given the materials they need to raise and brand their business with creative marketing.

The free program, chaperoned by volunteers, is targeted for grades three through five, but can be interpreted for younger and older audiences.

Involved children are encouraged to spend some of their hard-earned money, putting it back into their stand, start a bank account and share some with a charity of their choice.

Residents and local business owners were given a complete rundown by one of Lemonade Days biggest success stories during the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce Luncheon this past week.

Young entrepreneur Duane Shaw, president of Lemon Squeezos Shop, turned his initial Lemonade Day Stand into a lemonade brand that sells 20 different f lavors of pre-bottled refreshments in shops across Central Texas.

Shaw sold his first cup during Lemonade Day 2022, taking his grandmother’s recipe and adding his own “bold, unique flavors,” and went doorto- door to gain more support for his stand the following year, according to the young businessman.

“From using the Lemonade Day app, I learned the importance of location, recipe, theme, slogan and advertising,” said Shaw.

Shaw brought in almost $1,500 in profit with his second Lemonade Day venture. He exceeded his own set goals, donated $300 to charity and reinvested the rest back into his brand.

Register for this year’s yellow holiday at https://lemonadeday.org/bastrop-regional or get involved as a sponsor, mentor, location or supporter.