NEW BERN, N.C. -- After a 30-year break, The Great Trent River Raft Race is back on the river in New Bern.

• A drowning tragedy caused the event to end in 1986
• After 30 years, the race came back to New Bern
• Attendees are say they have been waiting for the event to come back

The event ended in 1986 following a drowning tragedy. On Saturday, thousands stopped by Union Point Park to watch 18 rafts compete along the waterfront.

Some were among the original paddle rafts to compete in the 1980's, like the Lickety Split and Ole Yeller. Many new competitors brought a high level of creativity, which included a black duck, a giraffe and an old flooded house.

Attendees say they're happy to see this family tradition make its return after so many years.

"I'm so glad that New Bern is doing this. It was so much fun and I hope everybody enjoys themselves," said Linne Venters, a New Bern resident.

"I personally have been wanting this for a long time,” said Yvette French. “I just think it's wonderful. I like for my little girl to come here and do some of the same things I did as a child."

The event also included a flotilla, a kayak race and a stand-up paddle board race.