Photo By Janecze Wright | Command Sgt. Maj. Calvin Hall, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos command sergeant major,...... read more read more
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HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — Nine distinctive lemonade stands competed for the best-tasting lemonade during the Best Tasting event April 27, 2024, at Harker Heights High School here.
Normally held outside, the event was moved inside the high school’s cafeteria because of inclement weather, but the threat of a few showers didn’t dampen the youngster’s motivation to impress with the best-tasting beverage.
The competition is part of a series of activities to help prepare youngsters to open their own lemonade stands on Lemonade Day May 4.
Chris Albus, Cavalry Family Housing project manager and Best Tasting judge, praised the youngsters’ efforts and their families’ support.
“It’s wonderful to see the entrepreneurial spirit of these children knowing that someday they’ll be our future business leaders. It’s also great to see families working together to help realize their children’s goals,” he said.
This year’s group of future business owners featured some newcomers, as well as some who have participated in the past.
The participants were judged in three categories: Best Overall, Most Unique and Best Presentation, and the youngsters did not disappoint, wowing the judges with a variety of distinctive and quirky lemonade flavors.
Pit Stop made quite a first impression with its themed decor and out-of-the-box flavors.
Shauntay Clemons and her 3-year-old son Zecharich impressed the judges with their one-of-a-kind design and their coconut-, pineapple- and cinnamon-flavored lemonades blended with ginger ale and coconut cream and soaked Red Hots candy. The tropical and fiery concoctions earned them the title of Most Unique in their first ever event.
“It teaches the kids very early how important dealing with money is, how to set your own business. It kind of excites them to be involved in the community and everyone gets excited about it,” Clemons said.
Lashunza Dowe, her daughter, Phoenix, 7, and family friend, Melody Burrough, 7, of Unicorn Rainbow Sprinkle Lemonade, were also new to the event.
The trio used blueberries, lemons, a sugar simple syrup and a secret addition of key limes, finished with edible glitter and topped off with a candy straw to sway the judges.
Dowe said the event helped teach invaluable lessons.
“It shows them what work is about, and if you take your time and actually learn to perfect your craft, you can make something that’s very delicious and good,” she said.
“It’s not taught in school, so we have to take out time and do it. And it’s good that the military has these programs because it teaches our children that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you’re able to grow and build and save and learn.”
Mason Matamoros, 7, of Mason’s Wonder World Lemonade, said the biggest differences from last year’s event are he’s competing against a crop of different lemonade stands and his lemonade is made from fresh strawberries, accompanied by popcorn, lollipops and stickers, as opposed to the tasty blueberry blend that earned him Most Unique last year.
His mom, Tiffiny, hailed the event as an early stepping stone for young entrepreneurs.
“It teaches them the value of money, the entrepreneurship aspect and engaging with the community as well. A lot of kids don’t know how to handle money, and it’s a big thing starting at a young age helping them understand that value,” she said.
Eleven-year-old Duane Shaw of Lemon Squeezo is no stranger to the event, having earned top honors last year. His “Squeezo-on-the-Beacho,” a “kid-friendly” mocktail that blends lemonade with peach, cranberry and orange, topped with a cherry bolo, earned him the repeat honor of Best Overall.
“I believe that children deserve to have the same fun as adults do,” he said of his creative spin on a popular alcoholic drink.
Nawaii Lemonade Stand earned Best Presentation.
Youngsters will officially open their stands on Lemonade Day May 4.
| Date Taken: | 05.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.10.2024 08:22 |
| Story ID: | 470678 |
| Location: | HARKER HEIGHTS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Youth compete in best-tasting lemonade contest at Fort Cavazos, by Janecze Wright, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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