At just seven years old, Hadley Baltazar is mixing patriotism, entrepreneurship, and generosity—one scoop of shaved ice at a time
Every family celebrates the Fourth of July in their own special way. But for 7-year-old Hadley Baltazar of Gresham, Oregon—well, 7 and a half, as she proudly points out—it’s not just about fireworks and fun. It’s about flavors, future goals, and honoring America’s everyday heroes.
Each Independence Day, Hadley sets up a festive snow cone stand on her quiet street in SE Gresham. The tent is draped in red, white, and blue, and Hadley is ready with a smile, her favorite syrups, and a passion for her little business.
Since the age of five, she’s been serving cool treats to lines of eager customers—each snow cone just $1. But don’t let the price tag fool you; the stand draws dozens of cars to the neighborhood every year, and every dollar is invested into Hadley’s future.
“I want to be a marine biologist. I want to discover my favorite animals,” said Hadley.
With that kind of drive, it’s no surprise that this pint-sized entrepreneur is already focused on saving for college. But Hadley’s stand isn’t just a business—it’s also a tribute.
First responders and veterans are always served for free.
“We have a long line of military and first responders. A lot of our parents and great-grandparents were in the military or law enforcement, so we feel like we have to pay it forward and let them come and enjoy a free snow cone,” said TJ Baltazar, Hadley’s father.
The tradition runs deep. TJ started his own snow cone stand as a kid with a friend, and now he’s passing the torch to his daughters. He chuckled, noting that Hadley’s operation is far more “professional” than theirs ever was.
Soon, the family’s youngest member will join the mix.
“Hadley will be shaving the ice when Riley’s running the stand,” said TJ.
What Hadley and her family are doing isn’t just cute—it’s inspiring. This is what America should look like: a young child learning about hard work, community service, and gratitude all through something as simple—and sweet—as a snow cone stand. It’s proof that patriotism comes in many forms, and sometimes it’s flavored with blue raspberry.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/BtKIOZKusio?si=ew7KHETh6LvlY2jC
- https://www.kptv.com/2025/07/05/gresham-7-year-old-raises-college-funds-gives-back-veterans-annual-4th-july-snow-cone-stand/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
- https://chatgpt.com/
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