Racegoers compete in Fashions on the Field. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
In a marked contrast to Kembla Grange's first race meeting 100 years ago, the weather co-operated for the race track's 100th anniversary on Saturday.
The race meeting, which looked in doubt on Friday thanks to the heavy rain, kicked off under sunny skies.
That was in marked contrast to the first meeting at Kembla Grange way back in March, 1912, where the weather wasn't so kind.
MORE: Kembla Grange celebrates 100 years
Strong winds blew down the grandstand, which was hurriedly repaired for the meeting. Then constant rain saw the meeting postponed for two weeks.
Rain again marred the actual race day, with reports that the track was so heavy that the horses were up to their hocks in mud.
Saturday's 100th anniversary celebrations saw 3104 spectators turn up at Kembla Grange to see the running of the Kembla Grange Cup as well as a range of other activities including a performance by the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music jazz band and a visit by the Carlton Draught Clydesdales.
The popular Fashions on the Field took on a vintage theme, with men and women looking back over the last 100 years for fashion inspiration.
Gracing the fashion parade were flappers, gangsters, farm maids, a soldier from the Light Horse in World War I, men in top hats and tails and women in elegant wear.
John Edwards, from Jamberoo, won the men's category with a "working class" style of outfit.
"It started with the hat, because I had this hat and then worked from there," Mr Edwards said.
As expected, the female fashion drew quite a few more contestants than the men's. The winner was Jessica Grantham from North Wollongong, who studied costume design at TAFE.
"I did some research into race wear from 1912 and I came up with My Fair Lady," she said of her costume.
She also made the costume herself, starting just last weekend.
Women's runner-up Joanne Teunissen from Farmborough Heights went for a 1962 era outfit.
"It was a lucky find at a market," she said.
"I've had this dress for almost a year. I dress like this all the time."
Kembla Grange executive chairman Peter Dr Vries was certainly pleased with the weather on Saturday, allowing the 100th anniversary to be celebrated in style.
"I think it's a milestone," Mr De Vries said of the big day.
"For an event to have occurred in the one place for that length of time has got to be celebrated".