One of Nome’s favorite summertime traditions returned Saturday with Mizuktata. Each year, colorfully decorated tables and super-excited kids line the streets of Nome to sell homemade snacks and treats.
There’s blueberry delight – a sweet treat made with whipped cream, graham crackers, and handpicked berries – there’s polish dogs, cold brew coffee, and of course, lemonade.
The annual event used to be known as Lemonade Day, but the State of Alaska withdrew funding for a non-profit that organized a nationwide event. So in 2022, Krystal Hensley and Renee Joyce took over organizing the event and helped coin a new name.
“We wanted something that was meaningful or meant something to our community. And so we actually reached out to Kiminaq Alvanna-Stimpfle and her mom, Yaayuk, and they came up with Mizuktata, which means ‘let's drink juice’,” Hensley said.
But Hensley said Mizuktata isn’t just about the tasty food and sweet drinks – it's about creating opportunities for the kids.
“I know a lot of kids utilize this day to fundraise for their summer sports or sports throughout the season,” Hensley said. “Feel like they're always fundraising, so this is a great opportunity for them to do that, and the community is a great support.”
Some raised money for upcoming school trips, camps, or their savings accounts. Helping maximize their profits was Northrim Bank Branch Manager Drew McCann. Earlier in the week, McCann hosted a budget workshop for the children.
“How do we ensure that we have a good plan to make sure we succeed, just like with anything, not just budgets, but planning to succeed,” McCann said. “So I think it goes beyond just finance, these skills that they get from Lemonade Day.”
A popular spot this year featured Caribbean-style rice and beans, taro fritters, and fried plantains. It was run by Flo Loeits-Bannow with some help from her mother.
“There are some ingredients that I have to get my friends down in Boston to ship to me. And I get to share it with a lot of people, so I love it,” Loeits-Bannow said.
The Carribean cuisine left lifelong Nome resident, Jeff Rose, satisfied.
“I couldn't miss it. I mean, how often do you really get to eat, not pizza and not a burger here?” Rose said.
Mizuktata culminated with the Splash it Up celebration at Old St. Joe’s, which Hensley described as a party.
“It's really a time for the kids to celebrate their successes with their lemonade stands,” Hensley said.
Next year, Mizuktata will look a little different with the Bering Sea Lions Club taking over organization. The local non-profit already got involved this year, with a $100 scholarship for each stand to be used for ingredients and supplies.
