The City of Lake Worth didn't let the blue-green algae ruin its Fourth of July fun.
The annual Great American Raft Race was canceled due to the green goo but all the festivities for the Fourth are still happening.
This event is one of Lake Worth's biggest celebrations. People from across the city make rafts then race them in the lagoon.
This year the algae kept people away from the water but not the fun.
Made by hand from styrofoam and childrens toys, Chris Sadej and his friend's raft was ready to race on the Lake Worth Lagoon
“We were hoping to put it in the water,” said Chris.
But the algae bloom in the Intracoastal prompted the city to cancel the race portion of the event.
“It kind of put us in panic mode,” explained Chris. “Who's going to get in the water? No one is going to get in the water.
About a dozen colorful rafts paraded down Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth. The theme was toys out of the box.
“We're a community of neighbor's,” said Mary Lindsey, an organizer of the event, with the Neighborhood Association Presidents Council. “We roll with the punches and we're going to make the best of it what we possibly can.”
Instead of ending the parade with the usual race, participants went on to Bryant Park and kept on celebrating.
“Out of the box thinking is what Lake Worth does better than anybody,” said Mary.
After the event, trophies were awarded for rafts including best decorated and best first time entry.
There are more activities still to come for the day, so you have time to make it on down to Bryant Park and join the fun.
Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
