It was a beautiful, sunny day for Fairfield’s first Lemonade Extravaganza on Saturday, May 5, 2018.
Over twenty lemonade stands opened for business on the courthouse square, and around town at local establishments.
Some operated as partnerships, others were sole proprietor businesses.
Overall, the event was deemed a success by organizer, Gina Martin, a teacher at Fairfield Intermediate School, as well as a small business owner.
“I just wish everyone could get an award,” says Martin. “They all did so well.”
Martin was assisted by fellow teachers, Emily Emrick and Stephanie Thorne, as well as parents of the 42 students participating in the Lemonade program.
The students learned how to start, own and operate their very own business. They were taught how to set a goal, develop a plan, establish a budget, seek investors, and provide quality customer service.
Giving back to the community was a big emphasis, as each lemonade stand pledged part of their proceeds to a local charity organization.
Judges for the event included Councilman and businessman, Kenneth Hughes; Business Advisor with Navarro Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Amy Freeman; and business owner and Vice-Chair for Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Gail Farish.
Three awards were given out, the day of the event. They include:
–Community Spirit Award: Casey Couture and RaeAnne Rossiaky,
–Taste Test Award: Lydia Morgan and Jenna Haden,
–People’s Choice Award: Briana Thurman.
As the students return to class this week, they will be finishing out their record books. An award for best Record Keeping will be announced at a later time.
“We’ve learned a lot this year,” says Martin, who is looking forward to an even bigger event next year.
If you would like to help sponsor, or volunteer your expertise, for next year’s lemonade stand entrepreneurs, contact the Fairfield Chamber office at 903-389-5792.
(Photos by Karen Leidy)
