Parade and Drill Location Changes
The most significant changes over time to the Labor Day tournament in Hicksville had been the location of the events. In years gone by, when there was a lot less automobile traffic congestion and considerably more open space, various public streets were used. During the first few years, the tournament was held on Woodbury Road near the corner of Bethpage Road (imagine trying to stage events on that busy road today).
The tournament was held on Fourth Street, next to the high school field (now the Middle School), for several successive years. During these years, a few old-timers may recall when the Honorable Judge Joseph Lubkuecher tore his trousers while up on the wooden judging arch and had to have them sewn before he could come down. Others may recall when George Engel was running with a hand hose cart and tripped. He fell under the wheels of the wagon and, rolling like a ball, escaped without serious injury.
Quite a few years ago, the tournament was held on Park Avenue, near the McGunnigle residence. It climaxed with a water fight between two companies armed with charged hoselines. Such an event is now banned at all contests, and a team can be disqualified if it douses the judges on purpose.
Duffy's Lane (Avenue now) was another favorite location before it was built up with factories and dwellings. Cedar Street, off Plainview Road and Burns Avenue, was used while Sam Weiss was Chief. During that time, events were postponed and canceled due to heavy rain and dangerous lightning.
Bethpage Road was the scene of the last "Super" tournament. There, 75 entries were on hand, and the contests had to be completed under floodlights, ending just before midnight.
Levittown Parkway was used at different times and provided an excellent location with its wide grassy shoulders. However, the long hike down Old Country Road brought some protests from visiting fire departments, which resulted in rule changes for parade distances for the marchers. During the second time Levittown Parkway was used, it brought protests of noise and loitering from the (now built-up) area residents.
When the opening of the Mid-Island Shopping Plaza (now the Broadway Mall) lent its location, it also gave the department a place to settle on as the perfect location. The paved fields provided an excellent racing course, grandstands, and convenient parking. Even though the location didn't change at the Plaza, the area was moved from the Nevada Street side to the James Street side, then finally to the Burns Avenue school location. The Plaza location was the most widely used and remembered area for the next 17 years, and it wasn't until the Plaza began to open its doors on Sundays and holidays that the location could no longer serve the department.
The location was then changed to the Water District property off Bethpage Road and lasted there until the State EPA forced the department to relocate due to the possible environmental impact. The following year, Nelson Avenue was tried as a suitable location, but it didn't fare well and lasted just one year.
After the second try at the Levittown Parkway location, it was decided to move to the industrial business area on Karin Lane. The biggest problem to ever face the volunteers was here at Karin Lane. At this site, fighting and disturbances by spectators plagued the event. Police and Fire Officials decided that after a riot broke out and several injuries were sustained, the tournament was canceled, and a new location was needed if the events were to continue in the future. With the cooperation of the Town of Oyster Bay Officials, the Hicksville Water District, and the Fire District, a permanent location was founded on West Barclay Street in 1983. This location was the last location to host such a wonderful event. The 2009 Annual Labor Day Parade and Drill saw significant improvements, including a permanent metal arch, convenient parking, a paved course, electronic pumps, appropriate fencing, and guards.
But the changes in our community just couldn’t support the event any longer. The Parade and Drill were picked up by the Hempstead Fire Department, which still holds the events today. Please share your memories……
Special thanks to the Hicksville Public Library and Hicksville Fire Department for the use of these photographs.
