Each year on May 7th, we celebrate National Lemonade Day, a joyful celebration dedicated to the beloved summer drink, lemonade. This day not only allows us to appreciate the deep-rooted history and delightful tang of this classic beverage, but also fosters entrepreneurial learning opportunities for children through the traditional setting up of lemonade stands.
This lively day encourages individuals to create their own unique lemonade concoctions, relish this exciting flavor with loved ones, and support local businesses or charities, often through community-based lemonade stands.
History of National Lemonade Day
The idea of National Lemonade Day was first proposed by Michael Holthouse, a Houston philanthropist and entrepreneur, in 2007. Holthouse founded a non-profit organization named “Preparation for Life” which aimed at inspiring and preparing youth for life through fun, proactive, and experiential programs infused with life skills, character education, and entrepreneurship. As part of this initiative, National Lemonade Day was born.
The mission of Lemonade Day is to help kids learn how to start, own, and operate their own business – a lemonade stand. The day not only promotes entrepreneurship and financial literacy among young people but also involves them participating in running their own lemonade stand.
The first Lemonade Day took place in Houston in 2007 with 2,700 children setting up lemonade stands across the city. Over the years, the event has grown and expanded across many cities in the United States as well as reaching Canada, receiving bipartisan support from leaders across the country. These annual events have helped millions of children learn business and financial basics, building up their entrepreneurial skills.
Despite it not being an officially recognized national holiday in the U.S., National Lemonade Day has caught on and it’s seen to have a positive effect on the youth in instilling the spirit of entrepreneurship as well as confidence in them to be future business leaders.
National Lemonade Day Timeline
Discovery of Lemonade
Lemonade was first discovered in Egypt as a sweetened lemon juice.
Introduction of Lemons to the New World
Christopher Columbus introduced lemons to the New World during his second voyage.
Lemonade in France
Lemonade became a popular drink in Paris, where vendors sold it from tanks strapped to their backs.
Lemonade Stands
During this time, children started to sell lemonade in stands as a means of earning some pocket change.
First National Lemonade Day
Entrepreneur Michael Holthouse established National Lemonade Day in Houston to inspire youth to start their own businesses.
Modern Era Lemonade
Lemonade has become a popular choice for stand owners and food establishments because it can be easily made and customized with different flavors.
Ideas to Celebrate National Lemonade Day
Lemonade Stand Charity Event
Organize a lemonade stand in your community or neighbourhood. Instead of pocketing the proceeds, donate them to a local charity or a cause you care about. It’s a great way to encourage not only youth but everyone to give back to the community in a fun way.
Lemonade Recipe Exchange
Host a lemonade recipe exchange either physically or virtually. Encourage participants to come up with different variations or flavors of lemonade and share them with the participants. Everyone can taste and try new flavors while celebrating the day.
Lemonade-Making Competition
Organize a lemonade-making competition among friends or family members. Everyone could prepare their best lemonade recipe, and the best one can be chosen with a fun taste-test activity.
Picnic with Lemonade
Plan a picnic at a local park or in your backyard and serve different types of lemonade to your families and guest. Include a vast variety of lemonade flavors along with picnic foods.
Teach Kids to Run a Lemonade Stand
This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate the day. Teaching kids how to run a lemonade stand will not only be fun but will also teach them about money management, entrepreneurship, and customer service.
7 Interesting Facts About Lemonade
Origins of Lemonade
Lemonade first started as a popular drink in the ancient Mediterranean world, where it was made by simply squeezing lemon into water and adding sugar.
Green Lemonade
In the 17th century, green lemonade was a popular drink in France. It was made by adding spinach or other green herbs to the drink.
Lemonade Insurance Company
There is a property and casualty insurance company named Lemonade. It uses artificial intelligence and behavioral economics to offer policies to users and handle claims.
World's Largest Glass of Lemonade
The world record for the largest glass of lemonade is held by Calypso. In 2016, they made a 3,246 gallons container of lemonade.
Lemonade in Britain
In Britain, the term 'lemonade' usually refers to a carbonated soft drink, similar to Sprite or 7up, instead of the still drink served in the U.S.
Health Benefits of Lemonade
Lemonade, when made with real lemons, has many health benefits due to the high vitamin C content, such as promoting heart health, aiding digestion, and boosting skin health.
Pink Lemonade
Pink Lemonade, though appearing to be from 'pink' lemons, generally gets its pink color from added flavors like cranberry or strawberry juices, or sometimes from added dyes.
National Lemonade Day FAQs
Next National Lemonade Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 7th | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 5th | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 4th | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 3rd | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 2nd | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | First Sunday of May | |
National Lemonade Day Word Search
- Lemonade
- Beverage
- Refreshing
- Citrus
- Sugar
- Drink