Grants Pass is about to be sweetened up this Saturday, August 9th, as Lemonade Day returns from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. with dozens of young entrepreneurs setting up stands all across town. What might look like a simple lemonade sale is actually the final chapter in a month-long crash course in business ownership for local kids—and the entire community is invited to join in, support, and taste the results.
This annual event, coordinated by the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce, has become much more than just a summertime tradition. It’s an introduction to real-world economics, teaching participants how to launch and manage a business from the ground up. Each young vendor goes through the full entrepreneurial journey: developing a business plan, setting goals, sourcing ingredients and materials, designing their stand, marketing their product, and managing money. The final step? Opening for business and serving real customers from real lemonade stands scattered across neighborhoods, parks, and storefronts throughout Grants Pass.
Behind the scenes, this program is a hands-on lesson in financial literacy, personal responsibility, and community-minded entrepreneurship. Alongside learning how to price their lemonade and balance a budget, participants are also encouraged to divide their earnings into three categories: spend a little, save a little, and share a little. The sharing component is especially heartwarming, as many young business owners choose to donate a portion of their profits to local nonprofits—turning their first venture into a lesson in giving back.
Lemonade Day is designed to spark more than just interest in business; it instills confidence and possibility. Many returning participants describe it as the first time they realized they could dream big and take control of their future. For some, it’s the first step toward a lifetime of entrepreneurship or leadership. For others, it’s simply an unforgettable summer memory and a proud accomplishment.
The Chamber of Commerce continues to expand its youth outreach, seeing this event as a valuable tool to inspire the next generation of local leaders. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and community partners, Lemonade Day remains entirely free for participants, making the program accessible to children of all backgrounds.
A map of all stand locations is available online for those wanting to plan their route and sample as many varieties of lemonade as possible. From classic lemon-and-sugar to inventive fruit fusions, every cup comes with a story—and a whole lot of learning behind it.
So, when you spot a brightly decorated stand this Saturday, stop by and grab a cup. You won’t just be refreshing your taste buds—you’ll be supporting a child’s first steps into the world of business, and encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship that keeps Grants Pass growing strong.