Again this year, Butler’s Ring in the Arts! New Year’s Eve celebration will be a smaller version of its former self.

The scaled-down event is being blamed on decreased funding; indeed, the event’s planners do not have nearly as much money to work with as they’ve had in the past.

However, the smaller event also stems from a lack of active, yearlong planning. If planners would begin making preparations for the next Ring in the Arts! celebration soon after this year’s event is held, the Dec. 31, 2011, event could return with more vitality.

But that would take 12 months of commitment and dedication and, judging from what’s occurred — or what hasn’t occurred — with Ring in the Arts! in recent years, it’s uncertain whether such a scenario is possible.

From early January of each year, wheels should begin turning in the direction of finding additional sources of funds; discussing the next event with the business community, including how the business community can help as well as reap benefits from the event; and how the reach of the event can be expanded.

If numerous people from outside Butler and Butler Township had an active part in planning the New Year’s Eve celebration, they could help increase attendance from their communities.

Perhaps some good ideas for additional attractions also might come from those not from Butler or the nearby communities.

For Dec. 31, 2011, it’s worth a try.

Butler’s New Year’s celebration should not be confined to just two venues, as will be the case this year. Those who attend should have a number of other locations to visit and to participate in the festivities.

There ought to be more activities for children as well as adults. Despite the possibility for challenging weather, there ought to be events, possibly a nondenominational church service, to attract senior citizens as well as others.

There are many other possibilities — possibilities that could come with more planning and broader community involvement.

As Ring in the Arts! now stands, it is on a troubling path of retrenchment rather than expansion. Local leaders should begin now to try to reverse that direction.

About this year, Mayor Maggie Stock said, “We’ll have a good time. We always do.” And this year’s program does offer some diverse musical performances throughout the evening at Grace @ Calvary Church and the Associated Artists of Butler County Art Center.

A healthy turnout at this year’s event could be just what’s needed to inject some positive energy for an expanded program next year.

Ring in the Arts! is an opportunity for Butler to showcase its character and create goodwill among residents and visitors. However, what’s been happening with the event over the last couple of years raises the question of whether that opportunity is understood and appreciated by local officials and community leaders.

It’s time for an expanded and more vibrant Ring in the Arts! to step forward.