The winning team of Amia Jane Dukes, 9, and Mariana Joy Dukes, 7, of Iron Mountain, each received a $100 Walmart gift card, sponsored by the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Sour Sisters donate a portion of the proceeds to the U.P. Foster Closet.

The sisters said they selected the non-profit because they “wanted to help other kids.”

“They understood the need for other kids to have the basics of life, like clothes and felt that this would be a good way to help those less fortunate,” said Suzanne Larson, CEO and executive director of the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce and city director of Dickinson County’s Lemonade Day.

The Sour Sisters, Amia Jane and Mariana Joy Dukes, at this year’s Lemonade Day with Suzanne Larson, Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce executive director/CEO and organizer of the event. (Submitted photo)

They also had assistance from their brother for the event, who donated his portion to the Foster Closet.

The mission of the U.P. Foster Closet is to support families caring for children who are not biologically theirs by providing information, clothing and other essential items needed for the child/children’s care.

“The money that the Sour Sisters donated will help buy school shoes for kids in care,” said Christine Bachand from the U.P. Foster Closet. “We wish to thank them for their thoughtful gift.”

“Lemonade Day was fun to make lemonade for people,” Mariana Dukes said.

“It was awesome to meet new people,” added Amia Dukes.

Larson said this year’s Lemonade Day in Dickinson County was a huge success.

The annual event invites local youth from kindergarten through eighth grade to take part in a free hands-on, experiential learning program that teaches them how to build and operate their own business through a lemonade stand.

Each participant will set a goal, make a plan, work the plan and achieve their dream by following the structured lesson plan.

“Through this real-world experience, kids learn valuable life skills such as financial literacy, goal setting, character development, career exploration, and philanthropy,” Larson said.

She made special mention to 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 program also integrates STEM, social-emotional learning and project-based education to prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators.

“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 said.

On Lemonade Day, the Lemon Council visited each stand and judged each of them on a variety of criteria. The winning stand is selected from the overall scoring on each of the categories.

“It was so much fun,” Larson said. “We saw kids open for business at lemonade stands all around our community.

Since its inception 16 years ago, Lemonade Day has reached more than 1.5 million children across more than 90 cities in the U.S. and Canada, according to the organization. The initiative has partnered with more than 550 youth-serving organizations and engaged more than 11,000 mentors, raising more than $24 million dollars to date through student-run stands.

Larson noted they received outstanding support. “From our sponsors, to the public who came out to support these budding entrepreneurs, it was a fantastic day in Dickinson County,” she said.

The chamber thanked the sponsors who made this year’s event possible. Signature “Main Squeeze” sponsors: Iron Mountain Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union, First National Bank & Trust, Nicolet National Bank, and LiUNA Local 1329; “Fresh Squeeze” sponsors: Iron Mountain-Kingsford Kiwanis, Northern Interstate Bank and Peninsula Federal Credit Union; Supporting sponsors: Advanta Print, Dickinson Area Community Foundation, Bay College, Frog Country, Radio Now and The Mountain, Loyal 2 Local, 41 Lumber and the Pasahow Family Fund.

Larson said plans are already underway for Lemonade Day 2026. All local youth, including homeschool students, are encouraged to join.

For more information, contact Larson at the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce at 906-774-2002 or e-mail slarson@dickinsonchamber.com.