Premier Doug Ford brings his annual picnic to Milton

Ford Fest is coming to Milton.

First made popular in the 1990s when Doug Ford Sr. served as an MPP and carried on by the late Rob Ford when he became mayor of Toronto, current Premier Doug Ford has since kept the family tradition going each summer at various parks.

However, the gathering planned for Aug. 16 in Milton is the first time the party will be held outside of Toronto.

“Get ready for an evening of fun and community spirit,” said an exuberant Ford when making the announcement. “Enjoy free hamburgers, hotdogs, halal burgers and be one of the first 500 guests to get a free T-shirt and poncho. Plus the kids and enjoy free carnival rides. There’s something for everyone.”

The Friday event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Road.

Ford Fest is free but you must register in advance for tickets.

Local Conservative MPPs appear to be quite excited about Ford Fest and have used their social media channels today to promote the event.

While food, fun and games are all part of Ford Fest, many view it as an opportunity for the Ontario Conservative Party to rally support, increase brand awareness and do some fundraising through the online registration process and invitations have been going out to party supporters for the past few weeks.

Still, despite the optics of a political rally, the thousands who attend Ford Fest each year say you can’t beat the price and that there is always plenty to eat and things to do.