photo by: Richard Gwin

Tyrone Clark, an employee at Weaver's Department Store, 901 Massachusetts St., racks up some clothes on Tuesday along with many downtown businesses preparing for Thursday's 57th annual Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale.

With nearly 100 businesses participating, Thursday’s 57th annual Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale is sure to be a hot one — because of the hot deals to be found and because, well, it’s going to be really, really hot outside.

Before hitting the streets along with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 of your fellow bargain hunters, consider reading up on the basics first. Here’s a quick rundown to get you started. For a look at specific deals being offered at downtown shops, check out our block-by-block guide.

photo by: Richard Gwin

Tyrone Clark, an employee at Weaver's Department Store, 901 Massachusetts St., racks up some clothes on Tuesday along with many downtown businesses preparing for Thursday's 57th annual Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale.

Time and place: Sunup to sundown — 6 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., roughly, though some stores will open their doors before sunrise. Most of the activity will take place along Massachusetts Street or just off it.

Parking: Short-term metered parking is available (theoretically, anyway) along Massachusetts Street, with parking being monitored between 9:30 and 6 p.m. You’ll also find seven two-hour free lots sprinkled around downtown, including those on New Hampshire Street between Seventh and Ninth streets as well as the lots along Vermont Street between Seventh and 11th streets.

Or keep your car (and shopping goodies) stowed away in a parking garage. The top floor of the New Hampshire Parking Garage (it’s located midblock between Ninth and 10th streets) offers two-hour free parking, as does the Vermont Street Parking Garage between Seventh and Eighth streets. Both garages have $1 spaces for those looking to stick around longer.

Check out an interactive map at www.lawrenceks.org/parking.

Weather: Rest assured, it will be hot — the National Weather Service predicts a sunny Thursday with temperatures reaching 99 degrees and heat index values soaring to 110 degrees. An excessive heat warning will remain in effect until Saturday evening, but the sale goes on rain or shine.

Where to find water and cool air: Enjoy air conditioning and free water at the designated cooling stations.

Eldridge Hotel at 701 Massachusetts St.

TCBY at 845 Massachusetts St.

Pickleman’s Gourmet Café (the sandwich shop is also handing out free cookies) at 818 Massachusetts St.

Granada Theater at 1020 Massachusetts St.

Watkins Museum of History at 1047 Massachusetts St.

Downtown Lawrence Inc. is also providing portable toilets in the breezeways in the 700 and 800 blocks of Massachusetts Street.

For a little diversion: Get your face painted by Aunt Nancy’s Face Art at 944 Massachusetts St., take a dance break at the U.S. Bank plaza (900 Massachusetts St.) with Jami Amber Lynne during the Brown Bag concert from noon to 1 p.m., or stop by the Journal-World’s booth at the corner of Ninth and Massachusetts streets for a visit with managing editor Chad Lawhorn. Slated for 8 to 11 a.m., the live version of his Town Talk column will also include gift card giveaways from Weaver’s Department Store, Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Shop, Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. and BurgerFi.

Hungry? Check out the food hub at U.S. Bank plaza at 900 Massachusetts St., where La Familia Café & Cantina, Fine Thyme Food and Chocolate Moonshine Co. will be slinging breakfast burritos, fudge and other tasty treats. And, of course, brick and mortar restaurants throughout downtown will be offering up specials to shoppers.

First-time shoppers, remember this: Dress comfortably, stay hydrated and have fun. The early morning may offer the greatest selection of merchandise to choose from, but sometimes the best deals are found later in the evening when inventory is picked over and prices are subsequently slashed. Look beyond the 1000 block of Massachusetts Street and to its side streets to find deals as well.

And if you don’t see your favorite store out of the sidewalk come Thursday morning, don’t worry. Many businesses are hosting sales indoors-only. So, get inside that air-conditioned building and get shopping.