First ‘Frost and Flame’ fest brings food, fire and family fun to Oakville 

Downtown Oakville turned up the heat this Family Day weekend — with fire shows, free treats and a whole lot of winter fun.

“It’s just a great way to celebrate Family Day. We’re gonna have a lot of families come out and I’m gonna be playing tunes for everyone that everyone’s going to hopefully sing along to and dance to,” said DJ Clymaxxx.

DJ Clymaxxx kicked things off and kept the beats going all the way until 4 p.m., giving families plenty of reasons to shuffle their winter boots.

But the playlist wasn’t the only thing bringing flavour. Sticky, sweet and very Canadian maple taffy was pouring onto ice and disappearing just as fast.

People weren’t just getting their hands on the sweets, they were also lining up for hot-off-the-grill halloumi harvest skewers. Proof that even in the cold, good food draws a crowd.

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This is the first Frost and Flame annual Family Day long weekend event for downtown Oakville, and organizers say they wanted something that would bring everyone together.

“It’s good to get outside in February. I think we’re all done with hanging around on the couch; everybody wants to get out and have some music and have a celebration together,” said Susan Johnston from the Oakville BIA.

“We’re excited about this today. We’re gonna be very busy here due to Family Day, which is great,” said Danny from 7 Enoteca.

And judging by the turnout, mission accomplished. Local businesses say it’s been a welcome winter boost.

Families poked their heads in — quite literally — to see what all the buzz was about.

And when the chill sets in? There’s hot chocolate in hand and fire pits keeping fingers toasty. There was also a fire show that had crowds ooh-ing and aah-ing as flames danced against the winter sky.

From frost on the ground to flames in the air, Frost and Flame brought the heat to Family Day weekend. And if today was any indication, winter in Oakville is anything but chilly.

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