HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – During the summer of 2018, DJ was at his grandparents house watching videos of other kids creating lemonade stands. Inspiration struck at just six years old, and the Hopkinsville native turned a small idea into an official business with the help of his family.

That summer, DJ’s grandfather helped him build a lemonade stand in the driveway with just five milk crates. The sign above it read DJ’s Famous Lemonade. The stand is now full of history, according to DJ’s mom Tarreka Bailey.

Dj’s Famous Lemonade. (Contributed)
Dj’s Famous Lemonade. (Contributed)

Future goals and lots of flavors

While the stand grew in popularity, DJ’s family sought out bids to build a proper mobile cart and tent to operate out of. They started offering catering and had a Christian County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting in 2019.

Fast forward to 2024, DJ is now 14-years old and attends Christian County High School. He has grown from offering three hand squeezed lemonades to 13 including passion fruit, pineapple, cherry, and prickly pear, each with a unique twist and story. There is also a grape flavor with a purple heart as a symbol in honor of his aunt who passed away from cancer.

“He would tell you that the recipes are a secret, and he can’t tell you,” Bailey joked. This summer DJ and his family are offering bottled lemonade as well, with the goal of getting it into stores.

Community outreach

Bailey told Christian County Now that DJ is a handworker and quite the character. He donates money from the stand to organizations around the community including a local child with cancer. They’ve donated laptops, paint parties, and more.

“It’s almost like a mini Make-A-Wish,” Bailey said. “We did tell him when he was setting it up, he has to give back to his church and the community, and of course he had to save some money.”

DJ and his lemonade will be at the Western Kentucky State Fair this June, Trigg County Ham Festival in October, and the upcoming Soap Box Derby on Saturday, May 4. To purchase the lemonade, visit DJ’s Famous Lemonade on Facebook.

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