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Concession Challenge: Teen’s Lion Booth for College

Conroe, TX – Visitors to the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo this year are in for a treat, and a sight, courtesy of one enterprising Montgomery High School senior. Hailey O’Connell, 17, is turning heads and dishing out classic fair goodies from her one-of-a-kind concession stand, “Friendly Lion Faces,” a creation born from her welding class and fueled by entrepreneurial spirit.

The fair, which runs from April 12th through the 21st, offers a unique opportunity for attendees to witness O’Connell’s craftsmanship. Her 12-foot by 12-foot booth is an impressive, larger-than-life lion’s head, meticulously constructed from 2-inch square tube steel. What truly sets it apart is its functionality: a moving tongue that cleverly serves as the counter for dispensing shaved ice, lemonade, and cotton candy.

O’Connell has poured countless hours into the project since October 2023, learning and applying welding techniques under the guidance of her teacher, Mr. B, at Montgomery High School. The finished booth, painted and detailed by hand, is a testament to her dedication, blending engineering skill with artistic flair. “It’s been a massive undertaking,” O’Connell shared, “but seeing the vision come to life, especially figuring out the mechanics of the tongue and how it all comes together, has been incredibly rewarding.”

Her culinary offerings of shaved ice, lemonade, and cotton candy are designed to appeal to fairgoers while keeping operations manageable. But “Friendly Lion Faces” is more than just a place to grab a snack; it’s O’Connell’s entry into the Fair’s “Concession Challenge,” an integral part of the larger BBQ Cook-off festivities. This competition scrutinizes every aspect of a booth, from its setup and originality to the competitor’s comprehensive business plan, pricing strategies, sales performance, and overall presentation.

The critical judging day for O’Connell’s booth, business plan, and presentation is Saturday, April 13th. Fairgoers can find “Friendly Lion Faces” set up in the pavilion area of the fairgrounds, where she will be competing against other young entrepreneurs. Judges, often comprising local business leaders and fair board members, will evaluate everything from the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the booth to the efficiency of her sales process and customer interaction.

Beyond earning a solid grade in her welding class, O’Connell views this venture as invaluable real-world experience and a strategic step toward her future. Every shaved ice, lemonade, and cotton candy sold contributes to her college savings fund. She has her sights set on Texas A&M University, where she hopes to pursue a degree in engineering or construction science, building on the practical skills she’s demonstrated with this project.

“I’ve really enjoyed the creative problem-solving aspect of it all,” O’Connell explained. “From designing the structure to figuring out how to source all my supplies from places like Sam’s Club and Gordon Food Service, it’s been a crash course in running a small business. It’s definitely bringing me closer to my goal of getting to A&M.”

Her welding teacher, Mr. B, noted O’Connell’s exceptional drive. “Hailey has approached this project with a level of ambition and detail that’s truly impressive,” he said. “It’s not just about welding; it’s about project management, design, and entrepreneurship. This challenge gives our students an incredible platform to apply their vocational skills in a real-world scenario.”

The Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo is a beloved annual tradition, drawing thousands of visitors to Conroe for agricultural showcases, livestock competitions, live entertainment, and, of course, delicious food. Supporting young entrepreneurs like Hailey O’Connell is a key part of the fair’s mission to foster community spirit and cultivate future leaders.

Fair attendees are encouraged to stop by “Friendly Lion Faces” in the pavilion area, enjoy a refreshing treat, and cast their support for Hailey O’Connell’s impressive lion-sized ambition.

The Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo is located at 9333 Airport Road, Conroe, TX 77303. For more information on fair schedules, tickets, and events, visit the official website at www.mcfa.org.

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