Mayor feels right at home at Oakville Latino Festival

He may not be sporting a sombrero while he’s there, but you’ll be able to find Oakville Mayor Rob Burton taking in the Oakville Latino Festival this weekend.

The Latino festival begins Friday morning (Aug. 11) at 10 a.m. and runs through to Sunday (Aug. 13) at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park.

Burton doesn’t want to miss out on the fun event which looks to create a unique experience for the whole family through dance, music and art exhibitions that explore the richness of Latin American culture.

“I believe I am,” said the mayor when asked by halton.insauga.com publisher Khaled Iwamura during their monthly chat if he was planning to attend. “I try to go to everything. I’m a mayor of the whole town, all the people.”

Over 7,000 people per day are expected to attend the festival which features 25 food vendors, exhibitors, artisans and a kid zone. Over 100 companies are involved in the event which is looking to build upon its successful first year celebration last year.

Burton may not have a Latino background, but the Oakville mayor will likely feel right at home this weekend munching on some tostadas and fajitas and listening to some meringue music.

“I went to high school in Spain,” he said. “So, I have a passing acquaintance with the language that Latino’s speak.”

Festival organizers are happy with the support they have received from the town, the thousands of spectators who attend, and their sponsors.

“We want to project that Latin spirit to make our visitors feel like they are in a true Latin party,” said organizers.