'White Trash Bash' Draws Hundreds As Coronavirus Cases Rise

EAST PEORIA, IL — As coronavirus cases and positivity rates rise — and 11 Illinois counties are now on the coronavirus "watch list," in danger of having restrictions put back in place — an estimated 500 people attended the 10th annual "White Trash Bash" along the Illinois River in East Peoria over the weekend, according to media reports.

The party took place even as cases are increasing in the tri-county area. Yet while officials were concerned about the safety risks of such a large gathering, there wasn't much they could do about it, WMBD reported.

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"This isn’t a sanctioned event," Fon du Lac Park District Director Mike Johnson told the outlet. "It’s the perfect element for a problem: You’ve got beautiful weather, a lot of alcohol and anywhere from 600-1,000 people."

While Tazewell County is at "target" level for the number of new coronavirus cases, Peoria County is at "warning" level. But Tazewell County was also at "warning" level for emergency department visits for COVID-like illness. As of Friday, 11 other counties were also at warning level when it came to coronavirus case rates: Cass, Gallatin, Jackson, Jo Daviess, Johnson, Perry, Randolph, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair and White.

None of the attendees at the bash was seen wearing a mask, despite a state of Illinois mandate requiring anyone over the age of 2 — with exemptions for medical conditions — to wear a mask in public places when unable to maintain a safe distance from others.

Before the bash Saturday, the Fon du Lac Park District Police Department warned partygoers of rising coronavirus cases in the area. Sharing a photo of a past "WTB,"the police department noted, "Please use caution if (you're) going to be out on the river this weekend. This event has the potential to expose everyone to the virus. Please use common sense and social distancing. This picture .... is not social distancing and can expose not only you but your family to Covid."

Despite WMBD's reports that none of the attendees appeared to be wearing masks, the police department on Sunday posted, "Thanks everyone for being responsible and getting everyone home safe."

On Sunday, White Trash Bash organizers thanked the hundreds who came out for the party, posting on Facebook, "Thanks to everyone who came out! Already looking forward to next year’s WHITE TRASH BASH!!" Days earlier, they also gave "a shout out to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for providing ideal water level and beach condition for Saturday." Organizers added, "You probably won’t endorse this, but thank you!!"