Derby community supports young entrepreneurs at local snow cone stand

DERBY, Kan. (KSNW) — Derby residents, including some law enforcement officers and the city fire marshal, came out this week to support a local snow cone stand.

“I drove past it yesterday. They were out here selling snow cones. I stopped in real quick to do a fire and safety inspection ,” laughed Jonathan Marr, a fire marshal for the City of Derby. “They said they would be back out here again today, so we came out to support!”

Wyatt Iby, Jordyn McDowell, and Emerie McDowell set up the stand alongside a garage sale in Derby this week.

“It’s like pretty much tradition for me ’cause I do this almost every summer just to make some extra money. And it’s fun to do,” said Iby. “It’s not all about the money. It’s fun to do this. Like, it’s fun to meet new people.”

Marr said that the kids have shown professionalism.

“Incredible customer service, really,” he said. “They’ve been really enthusiastic about a lot of the customers that have been coming in today. They’ve actually been very busy.”

Marr said that it’s important to support young entrepreneurs.

“I think anytime kids are trying to get out and show some initiative to be an entrepreneur. I think we need to support that. I think that’s a good lesson,” he said.

The kids agree.

“It’s a good life lesson to be tryin’ a keep a good business going,” said Iby.

“It makes me feel like responsible. And like my mom said, ‘you sometimes wanna learn how to be responsible,'” said Jordyn.

“Derby might be a growing city, but we’re still a small community at heart,” said Marr.

The stand will be open on Friday around 12-4 p.m. They are also selling chips, soda, water, and flavor packets. Snow cones cost $2 (with nine flavors to choose from), chips cost $1.50, soda and water cost $1, and flavor packets cost $0.50.

Marr vouches that the snow cones are delicious.

“They’re actually really good,” he said.

In case you were wondering, yes, they did pass the fire and safety inspection.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.