LAKELAND - On Saturday, youth across the region will be testing their entrepreneurial skills by taking part in Lemonade Day.
This year, there are 10 stands expected to pop up in St. Paul, two in Elk Point, one in Vilna, two in Smoky Lake, and two in Ashmont - if all the registered participants finish the program, according to Penny Fox, general manager with Community Futures St. Paul-Smoky Lake region.
In total, 1,200 kids are registered for Lemonade Day in northern Alberta, and the program spans across a large portion of the Lakeland, including the communities of Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and Lac La Biche.
Participants have been working on creating their lemonade stands, and also perfecting their products. On June 15, the refreshing drinks will be available for purchase, and Fox encourages the community to get out and support the young entrepreneurs who have been training with Community Futures to run their small businesses.
Through the program, participants are taught to save some of their profits in a bank or piggy bank, spend a portion on something for themselves, and share a portion of the profits with a group.
Last year, the kids in Northern Alberta shared over $12,000 in their communities, according to information from Fox.
The program, is open to youth from Kindergarten-age to high school age. It aims to teach goal-setting skills, problem-solving skills, and to build self-esteem in youth.
In preparation for June 15, participants attended "Lemonade University," where they completed a variety of lessons. Once they complete the program, the participants are then eligible to take part in the "Best Tasting Lemonade Contest," where their products were judged.
Lemonade stands will be popping up at various locations across the region - from neighbourhood streets to local businesses.
