PEORIA, Ill. — For the second year in a row, the traditional “Red, White, and Boom” event will not happen on the Fourth of July.
Organizers said the current state of COVID-19 played a role.
“It’s entirely about public health and safety,” said Midwest Communications General Manager Mike Wild. “It just doesn’t seem responsible to suggest that 200,000 of our closest friends all get together — elbow to elbow on the Riverfront.
“It’s just not worth the risk to public health and safety.”
According to Wild, the recent spike has played a role in the decision.
“If you would’ve asked me a month ago, I probably would’ve said 70-75 percent chance we could do it,” said Wild.
The organizers were, however, leaving open the possibility some version of the event could take place later in the year if conditions allow.
Wild pointed to Labor Day weekend as a possible makeup date.
“We’d like to think we can still host the event at some point this year,” said Wild. “We’re just going to have to wait and see until we have a little more visibility on what everything looks like this fall.”
This story will be updated.
