It was a far cry from the quiet village green of old, as descendants of Hamilton's earliest settlers celebrated the city's 125th birthday yesterday.
An "olde world" market day at Steele Park marked not only the anniversary but also acknowledged the early families who settled in Hamilton allthose years ago.
The market stalls, vintage cars, clydesdale horses, penny farthings and maypole dancers attracted thousands of people, many of them dressed in vintage clothing.
But for hundreds of them the day was more than just a shopping excursion - it was a chance to acknowledge their ancestors, who planted 50 oak trees around what was then known as the village green.
Great and great-great-grandchildren of Hamilton's early settlers gathered around the now giant oak trees where their forefathers stood in the late 1800s.
For many, the event reinforced the importance of heritage and family.
"It's very important. This is part of our roots," says Anne Lalich, whose great-grandfather, Daniel Hyde, planted one of the trees.
"It's just great knowing that they walked on this ground."
Ms Lalich was joined by many members of her extended family, including two Hyde descendants who travelled from Australia and America for the celebrations.
Other people came from all around the country to join in.
The Settlers' Day organiser, city councillor Mavora Hamilton, said she was delighted at the number of descendants who attended the event.
"We thought we might get 100 to 150 people but somewhere between 500 and 600 have turned up," she said.
"It's just been overwhelming.
"There's a huge pride in our history and origins."
Hamilton Mayor David Braithwaite marked the occasion by planting another oak tree and posing for a photo with the settlers' descendants.