Iron Mountain, MI (July 1, 2026)—The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce
Lemonade Day in Dickinson County was a huge success!
“Our Lemonade Day was so much fun,” said Suzanne Larson, CEO & Executive Director of the Dickinson Area
Chamber of Commerce and City Director of Dickinson County’s Lemonade Day. “We saw kids open for
business at lemonade stands all around our community. The local support we received was outstanding. From
our sponsors to the public who came out to support these budding entrepreneurs, it was a fantastic day in
Dickinson County!”
Lemonade Day is a hands-on, experiential learning program for youth in grades K–8 that teaches them how to
start and operate their very own business—a lemonade stand. Through this real-world experience, kids learn
valuable life skills such as financial literacy, goal setting, character development, career exploration, and
philanthropy. The program integrates STEM, social-emotional learning, and project-based education to
prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Since its inception 16 years ago, Lemonade Day has reached over 1.5 million children across more than 90
cities in the U.S. and Canada. The initiative has partnered with over 550 youth-serving organizations and
engaged more than 11,000 mentors, raising more than $24 million dollars to date through student-run stands.
“The kids that are involved in Lemonade Day learn how to make a goal, set a plan, and achieve their dreams,”
said Larson. “It’s proven that children who receive business education are more willing to seek out
opportunities, persevere through challenges, speak with confidence, and solve problems. That ‘I can do it’
mindset stays with them for life.”
Larson also emphasized the program’s approach to teaching smart money habits: “Children learn to spend
some, save some, and share some. Not only are they learning financial literacy and how to run a
business—they're also discovering the value of giving back to their community.”
The Chamber wishes to thank the generous sponsors who made this year’s event possible:
Signature “Main Squeeze” Sponsors: Iron Mountain Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union and
Laborers’ Union Local 1329 (LiUNA!).
“Fresh Squeeze” Sponsors: IM-K Kiwanis, Northern Interstate Bank, Nicolet Bank & Trident Maritime
Supporting Sponsors: Advanta Print, Dickinson Area Community Foundation, Bay College, Frog
Country, Radio Now and The Mountain, 41 Lumber, Radio Results Network, First National Bank, Range
Bank & WalMart
The winners of this year’s Lemonade Day Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Bay College) are Ian and
Ryker Schafer, owners of Freedom Freezy Lemon Squeezy.
When asked about the biggest lesson they learned from owning their first business, their reply was “We
learned to save money and invest it and how to manage money.” Their favorite part of Lemonade Day was
“…serving the customers and hearing their stories,” said Ian. Ryker also added “Seeing the smiles and sharing
happiness with our customers.” When they learned they were chosen as the 2026 Lemonade Day
Entrepreneurs of the Year Ian said, “I thought it was a dream…best wake-up call ever!” Brother Ryker added “I
was shocked and excited, I thought Dad was pranking us!”
James Schafer, father of Ian and Ryker added, “One thing I feel parents look forward to when they participate
in Lemonade Day is the ‘ah-ha’ moment. This journey started when the kids had gift money and wanted to
spend it on a beginner cross bow. We talked about investments and brought up the lemonade stand. Now,
three months later, hearing them acknowledge that none of this would have been possible if they did not
invest…priceless! Lemonade Day is a great program and worth it. Make a life lesson as best you can, because
it’s something your kids will never forget.”
Each of the winners of the Dickinson County Entrepreneur of the Year will receive $100 gift card to WalMart
and be entered for a chance to win an all expense paid trip for them and one parent to the National
Entrepreneur of the Year competition in Houston, Tx. Chamber Director Suzanne Larson added “I can’t wait to
see their accomplishments. Watching these young entrepreneurs turn an idea into a successful business is
exactly what Lemonade Day is all about. These kids didn’t just sell lemonade-they learned how to set goals,
solve problems, serve customers and believe in themselves. Their creativity and hard work are inspiring, and
we couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished.”
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