Community Corner
Heating It Up In Clawson
Inaugural event provides fun to families, raises money for costly heating bills.
The got lucky with unseasonably mild weather Saturday to host the first in Clawson fundraiser.
The afternoon bonfire event included hot dogs, chili, and hot chocolate, in addition to an entertaining chainsaw artist, Scott Kuefler, who sculpted logs into works of art that will be auctioned off for charity at a later date.
Brian Sutherland, Clawson DDA member and event volunteer, said he was pleased with the weather and turnout, which saw families and passers-by, pulling over to see what was happening.
“Our goal is to bring people into the downtown and to check out the businesses,” he said. “People have been finding out about it on our Facebook page and the Clawson Patch.”
As a wrap-up to , the event was a fundraiser for the Clawson Goodfellows, which will use the proceeds to help cover the costs of heating bills for a handful of Clawson residents in need.
Downtown Clawson businesses held various promotions and efforts to raise money for the event. The gave away free drinks for customers who chipped-in. The offered free comforter cleaning for the first 10 customers who agreed to donate $10 for the effort.
Jerett Lowell, who worked a hot-dog stand with his father, Jerry, said it was a great opportunity to get out and meet people. He and his father plan on opening Jerry’s Famous Dogs in the next few weeks on 14 Mile Road.
“Since we’ll be here, we want to get involved and participate in the community,” he said. “So it was great for that.”
Many residents took advantage of the mild weather to participate.
“We live nearby, so we walked up here,” said Rob Minton. “It’s nice. We’re enjoying it.”
Considering the time of year and the potential of a blizzard, DDA Secretary Nicole Seals shrugged off the moderately cold weather while serving up a cup of warm chili.
“We’re re-writing the script on how the DDA promotes downtown businesses (which) means trying out different things,” she said. “Anything that gets people into the downtown and supports the businesses and the community is good.”
Tony and Alyssa Botrell came from Madison Heights with their 20-month-old daughter, Madilyn.
“I do like Clawson. I like , I go to the Clawson Grille a lot," Alyssa said. "It’s a nice place to visit."
