Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 24, 1990                   TAG: 9005240498
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By Associated Press
DATELINE: STAUNTON                                  LENGTH: Short

"We feel the quarter-century mark is a good stopping point," said Don Reid, a member of the country music group.

For the past 20 years the July 4 event has been highlighted by a performance by the Statlers.

Bob Ryder, chairman of the organizing committee, said the announcement was not "totally unexpected, and like everything else the Statlers have done, it was well thought out."

The five years allows the committee transition time to do some planning, said Ryder.

"We feel the celebration can go on," he said. "How it will and who will be involved will be decided over the next five years."

"I think 25 years speak for themselves," said Reid, a Staunton native. "It's a long time and it can't go on for 100."

Jimmy Fortune, another member of the Statlers, said he hopes the local fans will understand. "We've just got some other things to do," he said.