The weather is warming, and school will be out before you know it. It is time to start planning for the upcoming lemonade stand season.

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is again hosting Eastern Shore Lemonade Day April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Officials said the program is a great way to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Lemonade Day is a national program with a mission to teach third- through sixth-grade students to set a goal, make a plan, own and operate their own business and achieve their dreams. In this case, the business is a lemonade stand but the principles and lessons learned convey to any business. Children also must secure a stand location and get permission from the property or business owner to hold the stand.

This year will be the third year the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the program. According to Joanna Almond, director of communication for ESCC, children on the Eastern Shore operated 15 lemonade stands throughout Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort during last year's event.

Another key aspect of the Lemonade Day program is teaching children to give back to the community in some way with a percentage of their profits.

"Last year, we had kids donate partial proceeds to their favorite local charities," said Tully Cruthirds of ESCC. "We had kids who created elaborate themes and branded their own lemonade. Overall, it was a great day."

Along with making money and learning to start and operate a business, participants are judged in two competitions: Best Tasting Lemonade and Best Stand. A group of lucky judges visit each stand on Lemonade Day. Participants also have a chance to win a bicycle just by submitting their business results.

"Registration for a Lemonade Day stand is completely free," said Joanna Almond, director of communication for ESCC. "Children are responsible for their lemonade supplies. They also get to keep the profits they make for the day."

Registration for Eastern Shore Lemonade Day 2023 is open. To register, visit www.lemonadeday.org/eastern-shore-alabama.

For more information about Lemonade Day, contact the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce at office@eschamber.com or follow the event on Facebook.