The number of competitors in Monday’s Alabama River Raft Race was down, but that wasn’t all that surprising given that homemade rafts weren’t allowed in this year’s event.

Homemade rafts are what made the competition popular during the 1970s and when it was restarted last year, they were the highlight of the race. The rafts and their names — Riff Raff, the Sea Horse, Frog Log — were what made the event fun for spectators.

We’re sure many had already begun work on their rafts, only to learn the news that homemade rafts weren’t allowed due to safety concerns from the Alabama Marine Police. Organizers have already vowed to work hard to ensure homemade rafts are back for next year’s race.

We’re hopeful they’re back next year too and look forward to the event being transformed into what it was intended to be. However, we’re also thankful for those that made the trip Monday morning and participated in this year’s race.

Monday’s event included only canoes and kayaks and those who raced did so for many different causes. Some were there for fun, while others were representing a bigger cause. The race finished at The Sand Bar, which held its official grand opening on Monday with live music.

Those who organize the race — in particular Victor Shaw and Clay Carmichael — have so much enthusiasm about this event. We hope that this year’s low turnout due to the lack of homemade rafts doesn’t curb that enthusiasm.

Because of the Raft Race, Labor Day in Selma is exciting once again. Hopefully, homemade rafts will be back next year and we can enjoy the race as it was intended to be.