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

DATE: TUESDAY, July 6, 1993                   TAG: 9307060097
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SIZZLING HEAT DOESN'T QUITE WILT VIRGINIANS' HOLIDAY

The fireworks weren't the only thing hot this Fourth of July weekend as Virginians endured temperatures in the upper 90s and a heat index well over 100 degrees.

"At 9:30 in the morning I went out and it about took my breath away," Michael Schultz, an intern at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, said Monday. "It was unbearable. It makes you want to stay inside."

Despite the heat, the park at Huddleston attracted a crowd of boaters, swimmers, hikers and picnickers, he said. Several extra lifeguards were assigned.

Virginians continued to celebrate Independence Day with holiday parades and fireworks as late as Monday. While most were held Sunday, Fairfax and Lebanon, among others, had their celebrations a day later.

Staunton's annual Happy Birthday U.S.A. celebration also was held on the final day of the three-day holiday weekend, beginning with a morning parade and live entertainment. The evening lineup for the 24th consecutive year featured Staunton's favorite sons, the Statler Brothers.

Organizers said fans began lining up for the Statlers' free concert at Gypsy Hill Park two weeks ago. They were allowed into the park at 6 a.m. Monday.

The throng of 60,000 to 70,000 people included visitors from all 50 states and several foreign countries, organizers said.

Virginians and visitors who took in Monday's celebrations, or spent the day at the beach or backyard barbecues, were warned by the National Weather Service to protect themselves against the extreme heat.

The Weather Service said the combination of temperatures in the upper 90s and high humidity made the air temperature feel like 110 degrees. A heat index that high makes it important to take precautions against heat stroke, the Weather Service said. People were advised to wear lightweight clothing and reduce or reschedule strenuous activities until the middle of the day.

Thousands of Virginians had the day off Monday because Independence Day fell on a Sunday. Government offices, banks, post offices and many businesses were closed.

Vacationers slowed traffic through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in both directions Monday afternoon, but there were no accidents. Traffic was similarly heavy in Interstate 95 through Northern Virginia, but there were no accidents.

by CNB