By Pete Vasquez
Pvasquez@cherryroad.com

There was no fire to put out and no code to enforce—just plenty of smiles and sweet, citrusy fun as Alice Fire Chief Patrick Thomas and Code Enforcement Officers joined students at Schallert Elementary for their much-anticipated Lemonade Wars event Friday, May 2.

The city’s top safety officials took a well-earned break from their duties to enjoy refreshing cups of lemonade, courtesy of Schallert’s creative and enthusiastic young entrepreneurs. And while no official approval was needed, one thing’s clear: this lemonade was definitely “Code Officer Approved!”

The event offered students a hands-on experience with teamwork, salesmanship, and community engagement—skills served up alongside plenty of lemons and laughter.

While the City of Alice has never required permits for kid-run lemonade stands, in 2019 the Texas Legislature made it official with the passage of House Bill 234, also known as the “Lemonade Stand Bill.” Signed by Governor Greg Abbott on June 10, 2019, the law prevents cities and counties from enforcing permit requirements on children selling nonalcoholic beverages on private property.

The winner of the Lemonade Wars went to the third-grade students, staff and families.

Events like Lemonade Wars celebrate not just entrepreneurship, but the power of community, support, and letting kids dream big—one cup at a time.