As the Labor Day weekend is nearing, final family trips are being planned, summer homes will be closed and our beautiful beaches will attract thousands of last minute sun worshipers. It is also time for the Hicksville Fire Department's 75th Annual Labor Day Parade and Drill.

The parade and drill is a great way to beat the crowds, traffic hassles and meet up with neighbors, family and friends. "We have the oldest parade and drill events in the New York State and you don't have to travel too far, and fight the traffic in order to have a great fun-filled day with the family," said Bill Sarnelli. "So pack up the family and head on out for a wonderful evening followed by an action-packed day on Monday."

These annual events have always had a great deal of action, music and color as the entire tournament season ends for all of the departments across the New York State. This last sanctioned parade and drill steps up the competition between teams and departments that are vying for the last chance at getting County points for the chance to capture the 2003 top point honors in their respective fields.

Ex-Captain William Sarnelli Jr., parade chairman, has announced the final plans for this year's events. The parade is scheduled to step off sharply at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31 from Fire Headquarters on East Marie Street. Leading the Host Division is Chairman and ex-Captain Bill Sarnelli Jr of Hose Co. # 4 and his Co-Chairmen, ex-Chief/Commissioner Anthony "Tony" Wigdzinski of Floodlight/Heavy Rescue Co.# 8, and Captain Harry Loomis of Co. #3.

This year the committee is in the process of replacing the existing grandstands that have been in use for over 40 years. The committee wants to advise the spectators that the seating will be limited to only 1,000 seats and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Although attendance over the last few years has fallen off, the grandstands could seat an estimated 3,000 people.

During the early 1920s, the Hicksville Fire Department had several drill teams from the existing four companies, and in 1925, the department consolidated their manpower and formed the Hicks Racing Team. Following the formation of the Hicks, the department played host to the first Labor Day Tournament and that continued without a break until the outbreak of World War II in 1941.

This 75-year Hicksville tradition continues for yet another year in a community that always supports it firefighters. Today, the events have pretty much remained unchanged, however the vehicles have been altered to reflect the modernized look that you see today. The drill has changed locations many times over the years, however has been at the current site of West Barclay Street for over 15 years.

Final details regarding the parade and competition will be printed in the upcoming weeks.