Victoria Zimmerman of Tampa, dressed as Popeye and her dad David Zimmerman of Minnesota, dressed as Bluto compete. (Taylor Jones / Palm Beach Post)

• Photos from today’s celebrations: Great American Raft Race at Bryant Park in Lake Worth, sand sculpting in Delray Beach, fireworks in West Palm Beach

• 4th of July guide: Find fireworks, concerts, recipes and more

They braved the waters in goofy outfits, sailing in homemade rafts that, well, didn’t get some very far.

But today’s Great American Raft Race at Bryant Park wasn’t really about the race itself.

Yes, there was a winner (the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association). And yes, there was even a homemade trophy to go along with the title.

But the real winners, as pastor and participant Chris Dillon said, are the ones who “got our paddles wet.”

The people’s choice award went to the Downtown Jewel Neighborhood Association, which opted to use a baby pool as a raft this year. The blue pool slowly drifted across the water as “pirates” pretended to ransack the vessel.

Downtown Jewel resident Sandy Weston stood on the edge of the boat ramp, cheering for her team.

“When you put a swimming pool in the water with three people in it … we’re just out to have fun!” Weston said, laughing.

More than 50 people from local neighborhood associations and civic groups participated in the water obstacle on homemade rafts.

It was part of the 15th annual Tropic Fest, an all-day celebration at the park to pay tribute to America’s birthday. Local blues bands, vendors and fireworks entertained hundreds throughout the day.