Six-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzy” Brown of Port Clinton drops a donation into the collection boot at Hazelpaluza. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

The community rallied together to shop, eat and jam during Hazelpaluza last Friday to support the family of Hazel Brown, a three-year-old from Catawba who was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable and fatal form of brain cancer. Bands performed on The District Stage in downtown Port Clinton from morning until evening. Many local businesses donated a portion of the day’s sales to the family.

The Higher Ground rock band kicked off the event in the morning. Many downtown restaurants, including The Brick House, were packed. Shoppers stopped by Yellow House Bakery for something sweet.

“I don’t know what the crowds are like outside, but we’ve had a steady stream of people all morning,” said Drew Gatliff, who owns Yellow House Bakery with his wife, Jen.

Heather Doctor, the wife of Higher Ground lead singer Jeffrey Doctor, is a TikTok influencer who also supported the cause. “All the donations I receive through TikTok today will go to the Brown Family,” she said.

Hazelpaluza was organized by Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider, who was grateful for the support of the community. Snider said a large crowd showed up to support the event in the evening.

Donations to the Brown Family can be made to The Church Fremont, 3000 Strayer Rd., Maumee, Ohio 43537. Please write “Medical Benevolence” in the check memo.