NORTH MANKATO — For 9-year-old Kian and 7-year-old Nolan Long of Mankato, the motivation for selling lemonade and cookies is to have money to fund their passion: BMX bikes and related parts.
So the 2026 Kids Maker Market at the North Mankato Fun Days on July 12 is the ideal place to be. There at Wheeler Park, kids ages 5 to 17 are encouraged to launch their own mini business.
The Long brothers participated last year and will be back this year with their signature cookies and 20 lemonade flavors. They also sell their goods throughout the summer in their neighborhood and at hot spots in Mankato, such as in the parking lot of J Longs clothing store.
All told, the boys have raked in $700 and even upgraded selling lemonade and cookies from a tent to a renovated camper their parents found on Facebook Marketplace for $100.
Kian and Nolan’s mom, Mariah Long, said the boys share an entrepreneurial spirit, and the Kids Maker Market is a perfect place for them to express it.
“We had a lot of fun last year,” she said. “It’s a good experience to get them out there counting money and talking to people. Sometimes we’re a little shy so it gives us an opportunity where we’re forced into being more outgoing.”
The Kids Maker Market is a popular event, said Katie Heintz, recreation and culture director for North Mankato. Thirty-five kids have registered so far, with 15 spots remaining. Registration closes July 7.
This is North Mankato’s second year hosting the market as part of Fun Days. Vendors vary from selling lemonade and cookies like the Long brothers to farm fresh eggs like another budding entrepreneur.
“We have a little bit of everything,” Heintz said. “The kids are pretty inspired and resourceful and looking to create and make it a business. They learn how to manage money and they’re trying new experiences and putting the hard work into it.”
Last year, she noted, vendors talked with their peers and made new friends.
“It’s a really fun day,” she said. “At Fun Days we have a lot of other free events so they’ll get a lot of traffic. They also learn how to talk to adults. It’s a great learning experience for kids.”
Kian Long said his products are popular with people who are thirsty.
“If it’s hot, they would have something to hydrate you,” he said.
Nolan said his favorite product they sell is their popular blue raspberry lemonade.
Their prices are $3 for lemonade, $4 for signature drinks, $3 for cookie dippers and $1 for single cookies.
Vendors will begin set up at 10 a.m. July 12, with open hours following from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To register for the Kids Maker Market, go to tinyurl.com/8dpv7v4w.