Finally . . . it's here.

The Richmond Folk Festival, the one you've been hearing and reading about for months, has its tents assembled, its 30-plus artists on the way into town (some are already here) and a weather forecast (temps in the mid-70s) that could mean another record turnout.

Last year's National Folk Festival drew a crowd of 175,000 during its three-day run, the largest event in the city not involving race cars.

This year's affair has a new name, but it's the same format. And it's again along the downtown riverfront.

The artists are top-notch, the food and folklife demonstration area will be diverse and, most importantly, it's all free.

If you're a newcomer to this whole folk thing, here are some tips to help you navigate the weekend. If you're a veteran, well, a little refresher course never hurt anyone.

Be open-minded. If you haven't figured it out, the Folk Festival isn't about the kind of folk music from "A Mighty Wind." It's multi-ethnic music -- from blues to bluegrass, roots reggae to Cajun, gospel to Cree fiddling. You might be surprised at what intrigues you. In fact, we can guarantee you'll be surprised.

Block out as much time as you can to attend. There are more than 30 acts performing on seven stages. Plus the family area produced by the Children's Museum of Richmond with shadow puppets and belly dancers. Plus the food. Plus the Folklife Area that will explore the artistry and community life of new immigrants to Virginia. Plan accordingly.

Watch where you throw your trash. This year, the festival is going green. The Green Team, including about 60 students from Benedictine High School,will be stationed at bins for compostable, recyclable and waste products and tell you where to toss what (the compost will later be taken to Tuckahoe Plantation). When you hit the vendors, check out the serverware, too. Nearly all of it is compostable and made of sugar cane.

Dress appropriately. If you aren't a sneakers-wearer, this would be the time to become one. And, with the slight possibility of rain (30 percent tomorrow and Saturday, 20 percent Sunday), keep in mind that many stages are on Brown's Island, where grass and dirt can quickly turn to mud. This isn't a beauty pageant. No one cares if you're wearing your Zips from 1988.

Speaking of comfortable shoes, be prepared to walk. It's a lot of ground to cover to see a little bit of everything. The venue isn't huge, but it has its share of hills and stairs, so don't overpack.

No one will kick you out if you bring a couple of bottles of water or a snack, but the food vendors really are worth checking out (and also reasonably priced). This year's selections include Indian, gyros (vegetarian as well as meat), Cajun seafood gumbo, crab cakes, pad Thai and . . . the all-important funnel cake.

Most stages have chairs in the vicinity, but sometimes an act is so popular that the chairs can't accommodate the crowd. If you're not a stander, bring something to become a sitter.

Free handicap parking is available at the RMA parking deck downtown on the block between 9th and 10th streets and Byrd and Canal streets. And free shuttles will be available at 9th and Canal streets for transportation to the site.

Plenty of other parking is also available downtown for $5. For a complete list of locations, visit www.richmondfolkfestival.com. Also, free parking and free shuttles are available from Spring Rock Green (across from Cloverleaf Mall) and The Diamond. Shuttles will drop off at Second and Fifth streets.

Don't worry about bathrooms. About 70 portable toilets will be available. But if you're a germaphobe, bringing hand sanitizer isn't a bad idea.

Want to take home some of the music you hear? Plan 9 is handling two music and merchandise stands this year -- one near the Ukrop's/First Market Bank stage and one on Brown's Island. Peruse early. The CDs for popular acts tend to disappear quickly.

If you love the folk festival and want to see it continue as a free event, make a donation to the Bucket Brigade volunteers. The bright orange buckets will assure that you're donating to the right cause.