Like any centenarian, Melbourne's Luna Park has suffered its share of ordeals - from war blackouts, fire vandalism and several makeovers - but the ever grinning amusement park continues to thrive.
Opening on December 13, 1912, a time when men still doffed their hats to women in corsets and television was a distant dream, the amusement park attracted over 22,000 visitors in its highly anticipated opening weekend.
Luna Park chief executive Mary Stuart still remembers the magic of going to Luna Park as a child.
"As a kid I remember coming to Luna park," she says. "It was a big trek for us. It was a very, very special occasion.
"I remember the big dipper and being also frozen in fright on the big dipper... and then within seconds wanting to get back on it.
"It was magical. As a child Luna Park was such an amazing place where you got to do things that weren't part of your ordinary life."
Overlooking shimmering St Kilda beach, the Park exudes a surreal carnival atmosphere at night as it swallows revellers into its manic mouth and fantasy world of lights, heights and screams.
The classic Great Scenic Railway and the park's domes and kitsch design are a reminder of the creators' eastern and showbiz influences, Ms Stuart says.
American showman JD Williams, who brought the park to Australia, later went on to found Warner Bros, with designer TH Eslick, spending time in old Bombay on a construction job before coming to Australia, inspiring the park's Mughal style design motifs.
The heritage-listed park is special because it is alive with the past, Ms Stuart says.
"Any life well lived means you end up with a few wrinkles.
"Luna park has had its shares of lived experience. Those things contribute to the history of the park and tone and feeling and the... years of life that has happened inside."
Like any senior, Luna Park has endured its trials. The place of 50,000 lights, as it used to be known, had to abide by blackout restrictions in World War II to avoid being a target for air attacks.
A fire lit by vandals in 1981 also dented the park, destroying its Shoot Em Up Gallery.
"That an amusement park this vintage could survive and prosper over a hundred years that has involved two world wars and the depression and technological change is remarkable and a thing to celebrate," Ms Stuart says.
Melbourne retains the privilege of having the oldest surviving Luna Park, among dozens created worldwide by American Frederick Ingersoll.
But the famously manic Mr Moon face entrance comes from New York's Coney Island Luna Park's ride to the moon, inspired by a time when legends and myths of moon travel still swirled as a mad dream.
At the park's 100th birthday party, the appeal to reminisce still lingers, conjuring up the wonder of childhood as kids delight in fairy women in stilts, sugary treats, and dare each other onto appropriately named nausea-inspiring rides of Spider, Enterprise and Pharaoh's Curse.
Copious amount of fairy floss and nutrition-less fried food are best consumed amid the more sedate twirling carousel and dodgem cars, with magnificent views atop the ferris wheel.
As an adult, the ageing fun park that loomed in the imagination is rustier than remembered but like any showbiz gal Luna Park puts on her best face to welcome new revellers.
IF YOU GO:
Centenary celebrations at Luna Park include a "Back to 1912" weekend on December 15-16. A commemorative book, Luna Park Since 1912, is available at the park and online at lunapark.com.au
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