Pat Dunn, left, and Merwyn Robinson were dressed Saturday to go to the go to another festival — the Renaissance Festival — but first stopped by Dogtoberfest at South Park with their colorful poodles, Flash and Cloe.

South Park could have been renamed Bark Park on Saturday afternoon as it filled with everything from pocketbook-sized Chihuahuas to a bookcase-sized mastiff.

The pets and their owners were partaking in Dogtoberfest, an event that celebrated all things dog and raised money for Lawrence Humane Society and Lawrence Community Shelter.

“It’s a blast,” said Teri Herberger, whose English springer spaniel was bobbing for hot dogs near the South Park fountain.

Nearby, volunteer Susan Morris was overseeing the best nose station, where dogs were competing to see who could sniff out hot dogs hidden under paper cups. The winner received a treat. Actually, Morris said, all the dogs got treats.

Morris’ treat was talking with the pet owners.

“You meet the most fascinating people. It’s amazing how people love to talk about their dogs. You can tell they are an important part of their lives,” she said.

It was easy to tell Bella, a black Chihuahua dressed as a bumble bee, and Gabbie, a light brown Chihuahua in a pumpkin costume, are an important part of Stacy Schwind’s life. Schwind, who entered the dogs in the best costume contest, had a purse filled with other costumes. One was a beermaiden dress, which would have been perfect for Dogtoberfest, she said except she didn’t have time to make alterations.

“We just like to go to all the different humane society events,” Schwind said.

For 10-year-old Saraya Windibiziri, the highlight was taking her Goldendoodle, Charlie, through a canine agility course. It was her mom DeAnn Windibiziri’s favorite part as well.

“It was fun to see them out there together,” she said.

Dogtoberfest is the first event of its kind in Lawrence. Along with contests for dogs, vendors were selling dog training lessons, treats, clothes and bedding.

The day was organized by the business owners who make up the Dog House, a store at 9th and Connecticut that sells dog-related items.

“Lawrence is such a dog-loving community. It seems like everyone in Lawrence has a dog,” said Maureen Bernhagen, one of the organizers and owner of Good Dog! Biscuits.

“Every other community has a dog-related event,” she noted. “I’m surprised it hadn’t been done here.”