The Split of Nassau & Suffolk Counties
First, in 1973, and then, future Labor Days events were divided by having the Parade on Sunday night and the Drill on Labor Day morning. Chairman William Stahley announced that the parade was a success with 48 departments, 1,677 firefighters, and 108 Ladies Auxiliary members. The tournament day also had a record heat of 99°, reducing the annual attendance.
At the 46th Annual Labor Day Parade and Drill in 1975, the Committee was forced to move the drill from its existing site of 18 years (Mid-Island Plaza) to the Hicksville Water District property. The Drill was placed on hold due to 1st-time protests from the teams against the Drill officials' equipment malfunction. The drill was canceled next to the last event, and no winners were declared.
During the celebration of our country's bicentennial in 1976, Chairman Jack Pearson was able to secure the Juniors N.Y. State Drill, which was held the Saturday before the Labor Day events. At this event, the Hicks Junior Drill Team secured a 3rd-place finish overall. At the parade, there was a special guest that year, Howard Davis of Glen Cove. He was the 1976 Olympic Boxing Champion ("Gold Medalist"). A special feature during the parade was to have each division led by an ex-chief riding in an antique apparatus: 1858 Water Witch, 1872 Hose Reel, 1902 Horse Drawn Steamer, 1912 Motorized Steamer, 1924 Aherns Fox Pumper, 1946 Seagrave Tiller, and a 1950 Aherns Fox pumper.
At the 49th Annual parade and drill in 1977, a Leg Trophy was presented, donated by Protection Hook and Ladder Company One (1) in memory of the late Ex-Chief Henry Gebhardt for "B Ladder." The Hauwhurst family also donated a second Leg trophy in memory of Ex-Commissioner Harold Hauwhurst, Hook and Ladder Company 6 for Best Appearing Parade Department Overall.
After the 50th Labor Day Parade and Drill, it was announced that this would be the last drill held at the Water District on Bethpage Road. The EPA had requested that no activities be held at this site, and the Water District had contracted to dig new wells. The parade featured 1,399 firefighters and 69 Ladies Auxiliary members, a musical display by the St. Ignatius Girls Cadet and the Commanche Raiders.
