Sweet Start to Entrepreneurship: Area Youth Shine on Lemonade Day

The Pembina West Co-op parking lot in Mayerthorpe was buzzing with excitement, creativity, and plenty of lemonade on June 13 as local youth took part in another successful Lemonade Day Northern Alberta.

Young entrepreneurs across the region took to the sales stands to showcase their creativity, business skills, and community spirit. Armed with homemade recipes, colourful signage, and plenty of enthusiasm, participants gained valuable hands-on experience in planning, marketing, budgeting, and customer service.

Representatives from the Town of Mayerthorpe and Lac Ste. Anne County, including Reeve Jurgen Preugschas, visited the lemonade stands and served as judges. They were impressed by the confidence, innovation, and dedication displayed by these young entrepreneurs.

“It was wonderful to see our local youth stepping outside their comfort zones and trying something new,” said Reeve Jurgen Preugschas. “Lemonade Day gives young people an opportunity to learn real-world skills while having fun, and every participant should be proud of what they accomplished.”

Lemonade Day is designed to introduce youth to entrepreneurship by guiding them through the process of starting and running their own small business. Along the way, participants learn important lessons about responsibility, financial literacy, goal setting, and community involvement.

The County would like to thank the participants, families, volunteers, and community members who supported this year’s event and helped make it a success.

With only a handful of stands participating across the region, organizers hope even more local youth will consider joining next spring. Whether it’s a classic lemonade stand, a creative beverage business, or a unique fundraising idea, Lemonade Day offers a fun and rewarding opportunity for young people to explore entrepreneurship and build confidence.

If you’ve ever thought about running your own business—even just for one day—Lemonade Day is a great place to start. Watch for registration information in early spring 2027.

The program is presented by the network of Community Futures offices across Northern Alberta, which provides entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and support for participants. For more information, including registration details, participant resources, and opportunities to volunteer or sponsor the program, please visit lemonadedaynorthernalberta.com

Strategic Plan Alignment—Priority 4: Fostering Trusting Community Relationships