Most people still amazed over the success of the first Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival probably regard any problems that might have been encountered as minor because they weren't noticed.

But few events of that scope go on without a hitch, and it's laudable that the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau has so quickly — and openly — begun to discuss issues that should be addressed for future Jeep events.

None of the issues are earth-shattering, but, unresolved, they could erode the festival's popularity and attendance. The goal must be to attract more Jeep enthusiasts and spectators, not fewer.

That's why for Jack Cohen, tourism bureau executive director, and his staff the coming weeks are critical to the success of the 2012 festival.

While this year's issues are fresh in their minds, Cohen and his staff members must dissect what didn't go quite right and put in place a plan so they aren't repeated.

One important issue revolves around confusion. This year's festival was held at the same time that the Butler Farm Show was in progress. Ideally, the two events should be held during different weeks.

As pointed out by county Commissioner James Lokhaiser, who has worked with the farm show for many years, “We had people come in and, after looking around, ask where the Jeeps were. And after we told them they were at the wrong place, they wanted their money back.”

Meanwhile, overflow space must be obtained to house Jeeps that cannot be accommodated by the parking spaces at Butler County Community College, where this year's parade was assembled. Cohen said some Jeep owners had to be turned away from the parade after all parking spaces at the college were filled.

While additional parking is sought, festival organizers must develop ways to provide for those Jeep owners waiting hours for the parade to begin. During this year's event, some owners complained about not having access to anything to make their long wait more tolerable.

Fireworks were to be held as part of this year's festival but never occurred, due to a scheduling problem that caused Ace Pyrotechnics of Clearfield to miss the festival. Fortunately, those at the festival weren't upset about the lack of fireworks; for many if not most, bands were the main attraction.

Also, as suggested in a Butler Eagle editorial on Aug. 16, there must be better planning to accommodate vehicular traffic not tied to the Jeep parade. For example, there is space to keep northbound non-festival traffic moving on Route 8, despite the lanes needed to accommodate the Jeep traffic moving toward the downtown business district.

Cohen told the tourism board that “99.5 percent of the comments (about the festival) are positive, but we know there are things we have to work on and try differently next year.”

According to Cohen, in the days ahead his staff will be digging into the issues in detail.

Despite the problems that are the focus of current discussion, there is no reason to lower the grade of this year's festival from the “A” it initially was given by most attendees.

The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is poised for a long history here, but, because of what's been learned with the first event, the 2012 event might be seen as an even-bigger test for tourism workers than the inaugural event.

To their credit, they are proving capable of responding to the challenge.