Others just enjoyed the day's events. Shawn Khan operated perhaps the least popular stand for a rainy, cold day - a Baskin Robbins ice cream cart - yet still managed to have fun.

"Nobody comes looking for ice cream. It's too cold and rainy. It was busier last year, but it's still a lot of fun. Everyone likes it," he said.

Many Harvard Square restaurants, such as Delhi Darbar, Sardine's Bistro, and Passim's Kitchen set up outside stands to cater to hungry revelers.

"My goal is to make everyone happy with my sausages," said Justin E. Frazer, a chef at Sardine's Bistro.

Not all Harvard Square vendors fared equally well. While food and craft sellers saw especially high sales, Oktoberfest was just another Sunday for many retail stores.

"There was a lot of [foot] traffic, but not a lot of sales. We actually did better yesterday," said Victoria L. Kalman, of the Mass. Army and Navy store.

Despite the unlucky streak of bad weather, all those who attended Oktoberfest enjoyed a day full of food, fun, and entertainment, and Miller said she counts it as a success.

Perhaps in preparation for next year event coordinators should purchase "lucky turtles," which were selling for $3 each, two for $5. But do they actually work?

"I don't know. I don't make them," said Jason Cai, 12, stand proprietor.