By Reporter staff

Kirkland Reporter

Oktoberfest brought thousands of lederhosen-wearing revelers to Kirkland’s Marina Park last weekend.

Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold welcomed attendees to Kirkland last Friday night, and the festivities started with a traditional Oktoberfest toast, “Ziggy Zaggy, Ziggy Zaggy, Oi Oi Oi!” The three-day event included German food and beer, traditional music, games and the fourth annual Wiener Dog Race.

The proceeds from Oktoberfest benefit various nonprofits, including the Kirkland Downtown Association, American Cancer Society, MEOW (Mercer Island Eastside Orphans and Waifs) Imagine Housing, Sibling House and Eastside Timebank.

In a press release distributed Monday, Oktoberfest organizers thanked the more than 400 volunteers who made “this beloved tradition possible. Many worked nearly around the clock for three straight days to bring cheer to the community, and for that we are forever grateful.”

However, not everyone considers the event to be a positive for the community. In a letter to the editor, Kirkland resident Cristy Taylor complained about the noise generated by Oktoberfest, other big events and in general at Marina Park.

“It’s a nice spot, except when it isn’t,” Taylor wrote in the letter.