It's routine that eyes focus on the City of Butler and the geographic core of the county when some need springs forth for the Butler County community at large. That's because the city also is the county seat; it is the hub from which the spokes — the outlying communities — branch out.

But the city and county governments and the entities that are contained within the city/county seat's borders can't be expected to jump to the forefront for every unanticipated need that comes about.

One example is what is facing this year's Regatta at Lake Arthur, which will be held Aug. 5 and 6. The regatta does not have a sponsor to pick up the approximately $5,000 cost for the fireworks display that traditionally has capped the event's Saturday acquatic activities. If a sponsor isn't found, the colorful lighting up of the sky won't take place.

In the regatta's eight-year history, the two-day event has so far managed a profit only once, and that was a small one last year. The regatta's organizational committee is unable, therefore, to handle an additional cost like that of the fireworks display without the threat of the regatta turning into a financial disaster.

Facing that reality, Jack Cohen, executive director of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau and a regatta organizational committee member, acknowledged that without a fireworks sponsor to pick up the tab, the regatta won't be able to have a fireworks display.

That's the dilemma, and no doubt some people inside and outside the city are wondering who from the city will step forward to assume the fireworks sponsorship.

But an appropriate question at this juncture is: What entities outside the city have the resources and the community spirit to step forward to ensure that people attending the regatta will be able to enjoy a fireworks display?

What about entities in places like Cranberry Township, which has a bustling business community?

Many people in the Cranberry area have close ties with Pittsburgh, but they also are part of Butler County — and they have a stake in Butler County's successes and well-being. Businesses in that area rely on revenue from people from throughout the county; it's not unreasonable to suggest that someone from that area join with people from the city area to make the regatta festivities complete.

That said, it still need not be outside the realm of possibility for someone from the city to make the commitment on behalf of the fireworks.

Cohen said anyone who wishes to sponsor the display or make a donation toward it should contact him at 724-234-4619. Additional information is available at www.regatta-at-lake-arthur.com.

Last year, the regatta attracted about 60,000 people. With more attractions, the attendance will increase; without fireworks, the attendance figure might go down, despite a projected record number of vendors who will converge on the regatta this year.

Efforts must continue to make the regatta bigger and better. The next two weeks will determine how much that opinion is embraced by others.