Many Butler residents are unaware of the full scope of the bicycle rodeo held each year at the Island Playground. That's understandable, because the event is tucked within a small area of the community.

But this year's daylong event, held on June 18, can be judged as nothing short of a grand success, and for that reason the event and its importance should be acknowledged by people from throughout the city.

The city would be well-served if more neighborhoods could plan events that would summon the enthusiasm and togetherness of so many people. More than 300 city children attended the event, along with numerous parents.

Island businessman Denny Offstein, the rodeo chairperson, and those who worked closely with him in assembling the rodeo details and ensuring that they took place virtually without flaw deserve a big measure of praise - as do the more than 100 other volunteers who donated their time and expertise to the rodeo. That the event is neither a small-time gathering nor an event where children merely line up to receive a free bicycle and then head to the streets to ride for the rest of the day is also proven by some statistics from the event.

More than 130 new or reconditioned bicycles donated by people and businesses from throughout Butler County were given out to children in attendance.

More than 1,000 hot dogs were consumed.

In addition to the bikes, there were more than 400 other giveaways, including bike reflectors and rulers provided by the state police, frisbees, jump ropes and state and American flags.

Two pickup-truck loads of pastries were provided by local supermarkets.

Twenty watermelons and at least 20 pizzas were part of the eating agenda.

The Cubs Hall provided the facilities and people to cook other food items.

A total of 110 cases of soft drinks helped quench participants' thirsts throughout the day.

Children got to "meet" a truckload of farm animals provided by the family of county Commissioner James Kennedy.

LifeFlight was present, as were military vehicles and the Butler County Sheriff's Office's DARE (Drug and Alcohol Resistence Education) car.

A salute was held for fallen American soldiers.

According to Offstein, six months of planning go into the event, whose objective, in addition to giving bikes, is to show at-risk children that adults really do care about their well-being. An additional aim of the safe, structured celebration is to rally the neighborhood against the drug problem that has dogged it.

The bike rodeo is truly a city asset that should be appreciated for all of the good that it seeks to do.

The bicycle rodeo held on June 18 at the Island Playground had so many positive features and so much to do that most people in attendance probably didn't notice an important element missing from the celebration.An event of this scope, held with such great objectives and with such a large contingent of volunteers and neighborhood spirit, should have been a mecca for community leaders as well as the children and parents enjoying the day.Instead, not one member of Butler City Council showed up and only one of the three county commissioners - James Kennedy. Like Kennedy, Commissioners Glenn Anderson and Scott Lowe work within walking distance of the playground.The city's proposed West End Revitalization Project includes the Island neighborhood, but in addition to the city council no-shows, no representatives of the redevelopment and housing authorities or the revitalization committee allocated time to mingle with, and hear the comments of, parents and others who would be affected by the project, if it becomes reality. Neither did representatives of the Chamber of Commerce or the Butler County tourism officials who could tout this neighborhood spirit as one of the positive aspects of the city.The Island neighborhood is one of the city's economically challenged neighborhoods, but that is not cause for the good things about it to be ignored by the city's powers that be.Very troubling was the absence of the city police. This was a chance for the police department to show the children that they are concerned about them and are willing to help them and be friends with them. Why did the department leadership fail to recognize such possibilities?To its credit, the city fire department did show up,The bike rodeo is more than a children's event. The broader scope of what it entails and the opportunities within that setting should not be overlooked.Officials should acknowledge all of that by virtue of their attendance next year and in subsequent years.