A lot of people worked hard behind the scenes to bring back the Alabama River Raft Race on Labor Day last year. Not surprisingly, the race was a big hit with dozens of competitors.

The most popular part of the race was that competitors could build their own rafts, just like in the old days when the raft race was one of the biggest events in Selma.

Last year, the Edmund Pettus Bridge was packed as people looked down at rafts in the river. It was not only entertaining watching them race, but it was also comical.

That’s why it was disappointing when news broke Monday that the Alabama Marine Police are not allowing homemade rafts in this year’s race.

We definitely understand the concern the police have about racer safety and nothing should be more important. With that said, the homemade rafts are what made the race so different from others.

Clay Carmichael, one of the raft race’s organizers, said discussions have already started about how to get that category added back into the race in 2017.

While it’s disappointing that there won’t be any homemade rafts, the race still promises to be a lot of fun this year. Those with canoes, kayaks and river tubes will be allowed to race.

This is an important year for the raft race and it needs Selma’s continued support in its second year back.

We encourage anyone with a manufactured canoe, kayak or river tube to get registered. The race will take place Monday, Sept. 5.