Shoppers will have an additional venue — make that dozens of additional venues — this Saturday as Lemonade Day comes to the central Kenai Peninsula.

The event encourages the development of an entrepreneurial spirit among are youth, who have the opportunity to partner with a local business and set up a lemonade stand at that location. The event draws support from the University of Alaska Center for Economic Development, the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce, and many area businesses that provide a location for a stand or other support.

Lemonade Day participants don’t just show up, though — they learn a little bit about how to run a business. Ahead of the event, the chambers hosted workshops on business and finances as well as food safety, and stand building workshops took place at local building supply businesses. Up-and-coming entrepreneurs plan their stand, from deciding how to prepare their lemonade to what other wares they might offer. According to Nolan Klouda of the Center for Economic Development, many participants put at least some of their profits into savings, and many donate some to a charitable cause.

As any entrepreneur will attest, the economy runs on small businesses. While Alaska’s current economic outlook can be discouraging, there is also opportunity to be found. Lemonade Day provides a great opportunity to encourage our next generation of business leaders.

Kudos to all those businesses that have contributed to Lemonade Day. We’re thrilled that you’re willing to step up and mentor future business owners.

And good luck to all those who will be open for business on Saturday. We admire the time and effort you’re putting in to this event, and hope you build on this experience with your future endeavors.

Stands will be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy!