More than 5,000 people flocked to downtown Kirkland for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Lake Street parking lot on Saturday.

The event, hosted by the Kirkland Downtown Association, included a bonfire, tasty treats and the lighting of Kirkland’s beautiful 30-foot tree. Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride led the crowd in song before the tree was lit. Guest speakers included Puget Sound Energy’s Andy Wappler; Jan Dickerman, executive director of KITH; and a Comcast sponsor.

Several volunteers also helped make this event possible, including Terri Fletcher, Doug Davis, Bonnie Lindberg, Bill Vadino, Sue and Sants Contreras, John Gilday, Jon Hesse, Keith Brush, Penny Sweet and Larry Springer.

The Reporter thanks Bob Gassen of Humanature Photography for contributing photos of the event. Contact Gassen at 425-822-3868.