Girls in modest one-piece swimsuits, a 1930s Buick and a wooden longboard - it was a scene reminiscent of the original 1938 opening of the North Beach Bathers' Pavilion.
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Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery even got into the spirit of things, donning a straw boater for his visit to the pavilion yesterday, ahead of its official reopening tomorrow.
Cr Bradbery said he expected hundreds of residents to join in the community celebration planned to mark the completion of the extensive restoration project.
Heritage tours, longboard and sand modelling competitions,and a march-past by Surf Life Saving Illawarra members will be among the activities running throughout the day.
There will also be performances by the Circus WOW Bathing Belles, the Arcadian Minstrels and the City of Wollongong Brass Band as well as photography and vintage car displays.
The official proceedings will start at 11am and will finish with Cr Bradbery and Cunningham MP Sharon Bird unveiling a commemorative plaque.
"The event will mark the return of the building to the community and its restoration is something they will be very proud of," Cr Bradbery said.
"The building has been restored to represent the era in which it was built, although some of its functions have changed to cater for modern-day needs.
"On the day we will be trying to recapture the era in which the pavilion was built and we're sure everyone will enjoy that trip back in time."
The pavilion was closed in March 2011 for an estimated $13.9 million refurbishment. The building's brickwork has been cleaned, repaired and repointed, there are new toilets and showers, and a new cafe.
Extensive work has also been carried out as part of Wollongong City Council's Blue Mile project, including a new pedestrian promenade, retaining walls and landscaping.
"It's now far more accessible, attractive and user-friendly and I think the city's residents - and visitors - will really enjoy rediscovering this grand old building and its surrounds," Cr Bradbery said.
Cr Bradbery encouraged people to take part in tomorrow's heritage tours to learn more about the history of the building.
"The land was donated to Wollongong City Council and they built the pavilion and promenade at a cost of £7000 - which was a sizeable investment in 1938.
"It's been a special part of community life ever since."
