If you’ve ever heard Bluefield called Nature’s Air-Conditioned City, you’ve probably heard about the free lemonade, too. Here are 10 fun facts about one of West Virginia’s sweetest traditions.
1. Free lemonade is only served when it reaches 90°F
Bluefield celebrates with free lemonade only when the city’s official temperature reaches 90°F, making it one of the most unique weather traditions in America. Lemonade is also served in Bluefield, Va., which is the sister-town to Bluefield, West Virginia.
2. The tradition began in 1939
Chamber of Commerce manager Eddie Steele proposed giving away free lemonade to celebrate Bluefield’s famously cool summers on those rare 90-degree days.
3. The first lemonade day didn’t happen until 1941
After the idea was announced, residents had to wait nearly two years before temperatures finally climbed high enough for the first celebration.
4. Bluefield’s elevation helps keep it cool
At approximately 2,611 feet above sea level, Bluefield enjoys cooler summer temperatures than many nearby communities.
5. Mercer County Airport records the official temperature
The official National Weather Service weather station for Bluefield is located at Mercer County Airport (KBLF). When the temperature recorded there reaches 90°F, it officially triggers the city’s famous lemonade tradition. Temperatures have been recorded here since 1939.
6. The lemonade isn’t served the same day
Once a 90-degree day is officially recorded, organizers need time to gather supplies, prepare the lemonade, and coordinate volunteers. The community celebration takes place afterward. Volunteers are always welcome!
7. Some decades barely reached 90 degrees
From 1960 through 1982, Bluefield officially hit 90°F only once, making lemonade days especially rare.
8. 2007 was a record-breaking lemonade year
The city celebrated 18 lemonade days during the summer of 2007, the most on record.
9. The tradition inspired Bluefield’s famous nickname
The annual lemonade giveaway helped cement Bluefield’s reputation as Nature’s Air-Conditioned City, a nickname the community proudly embraces today.
10. Bluefield celebrates what other cities dread
While many places complain about 90-degree weather, Bluefield turns it into a community celebration complete with free lemonade.