Lancaster Kidpreneur Day · October 10, 2026
The Lancaster
Ledger
Ledger
Saturday, October 10, 2026 · 10 AM to 1 PM
Binns Park, 120 N. Queen St., downtown Lancaster (use this address in Google Maps)
Open to the public and free to come shop.
Lancaster Kidpreneur Day was Saturday, October 10 at Binns Park. 36 kid-run businesses set up for the day, with kids from age 4 to 14 selling everything from firewood bundles to crochet animals and iced lattes. Seven judges scored every booth, and shoppers cast 381 votes for People's Choice.
Ages 6 to 10
Most Original Business Idea, sponsored by JK Mechanical: Pokémon Cafe, Pokémon-themed iced lattes
Highest Business Potential: Wesley's Harvest, pumpkins, gourds and corn grown at home
Best Presentation: Glitter & Goodness Co., calming glitter jars and kindness goods
Ages 11 to 14
Most Original Business Idea, sponsored by JK Mechanical: Carnival Corner, carnival games where you play to win a prize
Highest Business Potential: Sandy's Bones, homemade dog treats and 3D-printed accessories
Best Presentation: Backyard Blaze, firewood, kindling and recycled fire starters
People's Choice: Zy's Pit Stop, Zyair's lemonade and cotton candy stand.
Each winner took home a trophy and $75. Thank you to Shirk Pest Solutions, our presenting sponsor, and to JK Mechanical, Hinkle Insurance Agency, fix (IT) chix and Signarama.
See the full recap and photosA kid signs up for a space, brings something to sell, and sells it to whoever walks by. They can make it, bake it, grow it, or buy it and resell it. They set their own prices, talk to their own customers, and keep every dollar they earn. This is not a fundraiser. No organization takes a cut. Local business owners walk the fair and judge the booths for cash prizes.
Local business owners judge every booth. Cash prizes are awarded by age group in three categories.
The concept nobody else thought of.
The one you would actually invest in, judged on pricing, product, and how they talk to a customer.
The booth that pulls you across the park.
Age brackets are set after registration closes so the groups come out balanced. Every kid who takes part gets a certificate.
Your kid can absolutely sell food or drinks. Anyone selling food or beverage just has to work with the Lancaster City Health Department to get the required permits.
The food has to come out of a licensed kitchen, nothing can be made or stored at home, and the permit has to be filed at least two weeks before the event. For October 10 that means submitting by Friday, September 25 to be safe.
Each family handles its own permit directly with the Bureau of Health. We are not filing them for you, and we cannot file one on your behalf.
Three steps: download the application, sort out a licensed kitchen, and email it to health@cityoflancasterpa.gov by September 25. Tell us too, so we know to expect an inspector.
The city's applications: Temporary Food Vendor Application (PDF) · Solicitud en español (PDF). Questions about health rules go to the Bureau of Health directly at health@cityoflancasterpa.gov or 717-291-4714.
No amplified sound. The park permit does not allow it. No speakers, no microphones, no music.
Electricity is limited. If your booth needs power, email us before the event and we will see what we can do.
Thank you to every family who signed up. Registered families can find setup details in the vendor packet. Everyone else, come shop: Saturday, October 10, 10 AM to 1 PM at Binns Park, 120 N. Queen St. It is free and open to the public.
Presented by
With support from
Every one of them is a Lancaster County business that put money or materials behind a day for local kids. If you get the chance, give them your business.
We are looking for local business owners to judge. If you are a business owner, or want to recommend or connect us to one, please reach out.
If you love entrepreneurship and want to be involved in cultivating entrepreneurship in local youth, we would love to work with you on this event. Sponsor money is what funds the prizes the kids compete for.
No. They can make it, bake it, grow it, or buy it and resell it. What matters is that the kid runs the booth and does the selling. Parents can help carry things and stand nearby, but the customer should be talking to the kid.
Registration for this year is closed. Siblings could sign up for separate spaces or share one space and one business.
Things that have worked at fairs like this: bracelets and jewelry, stickers, keychains, candles, soap and bath bombs, art and prints, plants and succulents, dog treats and pet toys, painted rocks, slime, hair bows, woodworking, upcycled or thrifted resale. Food and drink are allowed too, but read the permit requirements above before you commit to it.
We will let every registered family know by email as early as we can.
Cancellation or rescheduling is at The Lancaster Ledger's discretion. If we cancel this date, we will either set a new date or refund your space fee.
It varies wildly and depends on price point, product and how many people walk by. Come in expecting a great morning of running a business, and treat anything you take home as the bonus.
Saturday, October 10, 10 AM to 1 PM at Binns Park. Kid registration is closed, and the fair is free and open to everyone who wants to come shop.
Questions? Email collin@thelancasterledger.com