(WSIL) -- White Trash Bash organizer Brian Banwart said COVID-19 wasn't going to stop the party, and that he was not worried about people testing positive for the disease. The party went on with no social distancing or face masks on Saturday at Paradice Beach in East Peoria.
From the start of the pandemic, the White Trash Bash was going to happen, no matter what.
"We're not canceling because of COVID and we couldn't go back on that," said Banwart.
He's run the event since 2012. He says people have a right to be worried about the disease, but that he's not and doesn't think the boat party that drew a crowd of more than 500 posed a threat to public health.
"I think there's a number of people, including myself, that thinks it may be a little more politically motivated, blown out of proportion," said Banwart.
Ultimately, Banwart says he or the event is not liable, people are going to do what they want anyway.
"You can't tell people outside in 90 degree weather to wear masks, you can't tell them to stay six feet apart when they're mingling with their friends," he added.
Peoria County Public Health Administrator Monica Hendrickson says her messages and work are not political. She says even if you are of good health, events like this can still cause harm.
"Most individuals interact with someone that is vulnerable and so whether its through employment, through your family, you're taking on that risk," said Hendrickson.
But what if you went to the party and tested negative for COVID? Well, Hendrickson says you're not out of the woods just yet, noting infection can take up to 14 days to show up on a test.
"It's not just that you have one negative test, the day after an event, you really need to make sure you follow that quarantine and do get tested," she added.
