Here are five things that you ought to know to have a more successful and safe outing at today’s Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale, which runs from dawn to dusk.

1. Kansas Lottery odds. Keep those in mind because they’re about the same odds as finding a parking spot on Massachusetts Street. Instead, several downtown merchants said shoppers should go straight to Vermont or New Hampshire streets. Both have several two-hour and long-term parking lots. The city parking garage near Ninth and New Hampshire streets offers about 500 parking spaces. And here’s a fact that the city doesn’t publicize much: Downtown parking is free on sidewalk sale day. Lisa Patterson, city communications coordinator, said parking attendants are told not to give tickets for overtime parking on sidewalk sale day. Tickets for parking in a handicap stall or other similar violations are given. Another option is to let someone else drive. The T, the city’s bus system, will give free rides all day.

2. Plan to get wet. There’s a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. But if that doesn’t happen, it is almost a sure bet that the sweat will be rolling. Highs today are expected to reach 89 degrees. Several people suggest bringing your own jug of water, a cool wash cloth to place on your neck and plenty of sunscreen. Putting on an extra coat of deodorant might not be a bad idea either.

3. Get cozy. Those who don’t like their personal space invaded might want to stay home. The sidewalk sale traditionally attracts 20,000 people to downtown, which means the sidewalks are packed. That makes strollers a difficult proposition, as well as dogs on leashes. In front of many stores people literally will be shoulder to shoulder.

4. First come, first served. Erin Adams, a manager of the Joe College store and a sidewalk sale veteran, said shoppers should remember a simple formula: “The best stuff is out in the morning, and the cheapest stuff is out in the late afternoon.” Adams said sometimes the late afternoon items get cheaper by the minute because store workers would rather sell it than haul it back into the store.

5. Cash is king. Nothing speaks like the green stuff on sidewalk sale day. Hobbs employee Jeremy Cain said it keeps everything moving better when employees don’t have to deal with credit cards or checks. Some stores won’t take anything but cash on the sidewalk. “Treat it like going to the arcade,” Cain said. “Bring lots of quarters and ones.”