Last Saturday, my daughter Mackenzie launched her very first lemonade stand. She organized everything on her own—right down to the hand-drawn sign, pricing (“25¢ per cup”), and even added a cheerful note promising a discount for anyone who waved. She dragged out her Frozen-themed table, filled a red container with coins, and set up shop barefoot on the sidewalk, rehearsing her “Hi there!” each time a car went by.
Even after an hour without a single customer, Mackenzie stayed hopeful and focused. Then, a police car slowly drove past. She sat up a little straighter, clearly nervous. To our surprise, the cruiser came back around and stopped right in front of her stand.
One of the officers stepped out and greeted her warmly. “We received a call,” he said with a friendly grin. “Someone reported an ‘unauthorized business set up on the sidewalk.’ That wouldn’t happen to be you, would it?”
Mackenzie blinked. “I just have lemonade… and waving doesn’t cost anything,” she said softly.
The officer laughed and took a look at her handmade sign. “We’re pretty serious about lemonade laws in this neighborhood,” he joked. “Might need to conduct a taste test.”
With slightly shaking hands, she poured him a cup. He took a sip, paused dramatically, and then announced, “That’s easily the best lemonade I’ve had all week.”
