A Time of Settlement in the Eighties
As we entered the 1980s, the events were again moved from the present site on Nelson Avenue back to Levittown Parkway, where they were held some 40 years prior. In the next two years, beginning in 1981, the Committee found themselves at odds with the crowd as several fights broke out, placing a damper on the day’s events. Several arrests followed, but the drill was completed. The following year was not as fortunate as the drill location was again changed, this time to Karin Lane off New South Road. Once again, the Committee found themselves at odds with the crowd. "No winners" were declared due to the riots by spectators, which forced officials to cancel the drill. The situation led to many arrests, and several injuries to firefighters were sustained.
As the quest for a more permanent location was underway, it was announced in 1983 by Chairman Richard Kershow that they would be using West Barclay Street and the Town of Oyster Bay parking fields. This would become the permanent site for all future Labor Day events. At this 55th Annual event, there were some water delays and timing equipment malfunctions, which delayed the drill well into the evening hours. About 7,500 spectators were on hand at the drill as they watched the Lindenhurst Snails take first place in one of the three events they entered before leaving for Suffolk County for another drill.
