#Hundreds gather without masks for annual ‘White Trash Bash’ boat event

Hundreds of people, many without masks, turned up for the 10th annual “White Trash Bash” in Illinois over the weekend — despite authorities warning that coronavirus cases are on the rise in the area, according to a local report.

At least 200 boats filled with revelers packed the Illinois River in East Peoria on Saturday for the all-day bash that consists of drinking and socializing in large groups, WMBD reported.

None of the around 500 partygoers were seen wearing masks or practicing social distancing, according to the outlet.

Authorities had issued a warning ahead of the blowout, reminding folks that “Covid 19 numbers are increasing in our area.”

“This event has the potential to expose everyone to the virus,” The Fon du Lac Park District Police Department wrote on Facebook.

“Please use common sense and social distancing.”

But, ultimately, officials said there isn’t much they can do to ensure that attendees be mindful of the virus.

“We try to have people voluntarily social distance,” Director of Fon Du Lac Park District Mike Johnson told the outlet, “but at the end of the day, the goal is to get through this event and get everyone home safe.”

Illinois has more than 180,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 7,500 deaths, according to the latest figures from the Illinois Department of Public Health.