Pre-Lemonade Day Contest Stirs Up Excitement

“What an event!” That was the response of George Muller, vice president of administration at Imperial Sugar Company, after attending the recent “Best Tasting Lemonade” contest held at the Children’s Museum of Houston.

Lydia Mendez, Best Tasting Lemonade winner in the center, flanked by (l-r) - Jeff Bagwell, former Houston Astros first baseman; J Xavier, rapper and youth spokesperson for Lemonade Day; Lemonhead, Michael Holthouse, founder of Prepared 4 Life and creator of Lemonade Day. In background: Julie Eberly, executive director of Prepared 4 Life.

The contest, which kicked off festivities a week before the national, community-focused Lemonade Day, was judged by local celebrities, led by Astros baseball legend Jeff Bagwell. Houston-based Chef Eddy Van Damme also served as a judge.

The nearly 30 contestants were randomly selected from early Lemonade Day registrants throughout the Houston community.

Nine winners captured first, second and third places for the best tasting lemonade, most unique lemonade and healthiest lemonade.

“The creativity was amazing,” said Julie Eberly, executive director of Prepared 4 Life, which coordinated the event. “The kids really outdid themselves.”

Alexis Cross is one enterprising contestant, dressed as an Imperial Sugar bag ... sweet!

Representing Imperial Sugar as title sponsor of Lemonade Day, Muller joined Eberly and Bagwell in a visit to each contestant’s stand. Muller said one 11-year-old was dressed up in an Imperial Sugar bag that featured a complete label with recipes. “I was really impressed. The kid’s enthusiasm and originality was exceptional.”

Local TV stations ran segments covering the contest and the upcoming main event. Click here for coverage by KIAH-TV.

Lemonade Day is a free, community-wide, educational initiative designed to teach children how to start, own and operate their own business. Kids of all ages learn to set goals, develop a plan, secure an investor, create a product, make a profit and give back to their community.

On Sunday, May 2, thousands of young entrepreneurs will set up their lemonade stand businesses in Houston and in 13 other cities across the country. The kids get to keep the money they make and are encouraged to save a little, spend a little, and share a little with the community. For more information, visit www.LemonadeDay.org.