A quiet summer afternoon in Brigham City, Utah, turned unexpectedly eventful after several residents spotted an 11-year-old boy standing on a street corner holding a sign that read “Ice Cold Beer.”
From a distance, the scene looked unusual. A young boy, a cooler by his side, and a bold sign advertising beer was enough to prompt at least three concerned calls to local police. Officers were quickly dispatched to investigate what appeared to be a serious matter.
When they arrived, they approached the small roadside stand ready to question the boy. But within seconds, they realized something was different from what the calls had suggested.
The sign, while attention-grabbing, had a small twist. Above the large black letters spelling “beer,” the word “root” had been written in tiny green letters. The boy was not selling alcohol at all, but root beer for one dollar a bottle.
Brigham City Police officers were more amused than alarmed. They bought drinks, took photos, and later posted about the encounter on Facebook. “This young man was way ahead of the game in advertising,” the department wrote:
“His marketing strategy has resulted in several calls to the police department, but after speaking with him, we commend him for his business skills.”
The post spread quickly online, with thousands reacting to the lighthearted incident. Many praised the boy’s creativity, while others applauded the officers for their friendly and supportive response.
According to his mother, Alexis Parker, the stand was her son’s idea after the family moved to Utah and he wanted to meet people. She said around 60 customers were stopping by each day, with the sign sparking plenty of laughs from passersby.
Even Utah Senator Mitt Romney weighed in on the viral story, writing on social media, “A lesson in reading the fine print! The future is bright for this young Utah entrepreneur.”
What started as a routine police call turned into a viral moment of community spirit. The boy’s clever sign not only brought attention to his stand but also showcased the power of creative thinking, turning potential trouble into a story that had everyone smiling.
Featured image: (Spotlight)
