Daily News Photos by SEAN McCOY Erika Thomas holds her pirate pooch, Romeo, at Barktoberfest on Sunday at the Humane Society of St. Thomas Humane Care Campus.

ST. THOMAS - The Humane Society of St. Thomas showed off the nearly complete Humane Care Campus on Sunday afternoon during the eighth annual Barktoberfest fundraiser.

Throngs of people and their canine companions wandered around the 4.7-acre complex and took part in many contests and activities. Humane Society volunteers gave tours of the new digs that has have been worked on for three years so far.

Joseph Aubain, co-chair of the event and president of the Humane Society, said he was glad to have the opportunity to share the campus with the community.

"So many people were wondering what we're doing up here," Aubain said. "It's important to open it to the community."

He said that while final touches remain to be completed, that the facility should be open in the next few months.

While Barktoberfest wasn't held at a beach this year, dogs still had a chance to cool off in the water.

About $200,000 more in work will finish the project, which has been talked about for a decade.

The facility features a flea market, kennel, cat cabana and the Corine Lockhart Education Center.

On Saturday, many people - and their canines - got involved in the pet-themed entertainment, such as best-trick and best-kisser contests. Food and music kept the party lively while children and parents explored the "Haunted Bow-Wow Trail and Pumpkin Patch."

Proceeds from the event fund the operational expenses of the current Humane Society of St. Thomas facility. Aubain said the event annually raises between $10,000 and $20,000 for the shelter.