Photo By Janecze Wright | Ten-year-old Duane Shaw and six-year-old Mason Matamoros posed with Mr. Lemonhead...... read more read more
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HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas -- Future entrepreneurs gathered Saturday at Carl Levin Park in Harker Heights for the Lemonade Day Best Tasting event.
Eleven youngsters and their families braved the windy but sunny weather to provide first looks at their completed lemonade stands and samples of their lemonade to see who’s recipe reigns supreme.
The event follows a series of activities to help prepare youngsters to open their own lemonade stands on Lemonade Day May 6.
Command Sgt. Maj. Calvin Hall, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood command sergeant major and one of the eight judges, said the event was a way for the Fort Hood community to support its youth through adulthood.
“This is just showing that we’re dedicated in ensuring our kids are well versed in what it’s going to take to be able to survive in society for years to come,” Hall said.
Chris Albus, Cavalry Family Housing project manager and fellow judge, applauded the participants’ efforts.
“It’s great to see the entrepreneurial spirit in all these young kids,” he expressed. They’re part of the backbone of America and someday some of these kids can have a small business, which is going to help strengthen America. So, I’m glad to be out here to help encourage them.”
Albus said that he was looking for great presentation, how well the youngsters sold their product and, most importantly, how each signature lemonade tasted.
The participants were judged in three categories: Best Overall, Most Unique and Best Presentation.
Judges were treated to a variety of lemonades and accompaniments that ranged from sweet to savory.
Pati DeSouza and her husband Spc. Rodrigo DeSouza, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division, explained that the event was the perfect opportunity for their sons Rodrigo, 7, and Ricky, 4, of “Rodrigo’s Rainforest Lemonade,” to surprise the judges with a taste of the family’s Brazilian culture.
To accompany their Brazilian lemonade blended with condensed milk, the family served up small balls of Pão de Queijo, Brazilian cheese bread made from yuca starch, eggs and cheese, for a unique twist.
“I’m happy that we can bring a little bit from our culture,” she said.
DeSouza added that the event helped to teach valuable lessons her sons will need as adults.
“I think that’s very important for them to learn how to do something for themselves, and that they are able to work and make money and go after their goals,” she expressed. “It’s something that we didn’t have as kids in Brazil, so we think it’s a very good opportunity. I think it’s going to help me teach them and build their character for what they need to be good men when they grow up.”
Inspired by seven-year-old stroke survivor Kyrei Hartsfield, the Stroke Survivor Lemonade & CO stand was a hit with attendees who sampled charcuterie cups, chocolate chip cookies and bottles of homemade lemonade that were easy to grab and go.
Justin Hartsfield, Kyrei’s dad, said the stand was inspired by his daughter’s resilience.
“Kyrei is our little warrior and we’re just extremely proud of her and everything that she’s accomplished so far,” he expressed. “We’re teaching her to be a young entrepreneur. She’s already conquered so many physical things from being able to make a competitive cheer squad and everything that many people probably thought she wouldn’t be able to do so we’re just here celebrating with her, supporting her and just pushing her to great lengths.”
After sampling each of the different lemonades and getting acquainted with the young business owners, the judges retired to make their decision.
Before the winners were announced, each of the participants received a certificate and a goodie bag before they posed for photos with Mr. Lemonhead.
Six-year-old Mason Matamoros of Mason’s Wonderworld Lemonade earned Most Unique with his tasty and vibrant infusion of lemonade and blueberry.
Duane Shaw’s stand Lemon Squeezo, “It’s All About the Squeeze,” wowed the judges and earned him the titles of Best Presentation and Best Overall Lemonade for his variety of over 20 different lemonade flavors, including sugar free options.
The 10-year-old entrepreneur explained that his family sells lemonade at a variety of events and that he has big plans for his business.
“I think this business is going to go farther than Tesla, farther than Amazon,” he said. “I want to be a billionaire. I want to be the richest man on earth so I can give back to charity and make my business grow more.”
Youngsters will officially launch their businesses on Lemonade Day May 6.
| Date Taken: | 05.04.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.31.2023 12:44 |
| Story ID: | 444484 |
| Location: | HARKER HEIGHTS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 14 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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