Mind these Riverfest do's and don't's

Last year's Riverfest fireworks. (Credit: Mark Byron | Special to Metromix)

Riverfest is awesome unless you screw it up. And it’s possible to screw it up. Ignore the rules, expect to find booze, forget to stake out a spot and you could end up with one noisy, annoying experience staring at the back of someone’s head.

We’re here to help.

Here we’ve compiled a list of what to do – and what not to do – to maximize your Riverfest pleasure.

Do get there early. We mean EARLY. You’re pushing it if you start heading downtown after 3 p.m. In fact, blankets can be placed after 6 a.m. on Saturday, and the park officially opens at 6 a.m. on Sunday. So forget about sleeping this weekend.

Don’t wimp out and watch the fireworks on TV. Suck it up and deal with the traffic and parking "challenges."

Do wear comfortable walking shoes. Expect to be on your feet a lot.

Don’t be surprised if you spend more on parking than you did on your shoes.

Do bring a survival backpack. Think sunscreen, blankets, snacks, toilet paper (it could happen), hand sanitizer, iPods, Mad Libs, cameras.

Don’t bring the banned stuff: beverages (especially alcohol), glass or metal containers, dogs and guinea pigs, bikes and skateboards, chairs, grills and weapons. Note this especially: Coolers are not allowed.

Do roam in search of places to feed your belly and quench your thirst. There’s no shortage of bars and restaurants near the river. Just keep an eye on the time, and...

Don’t forget to claim your viewing space. Throw down a blanket and make grandpa keep watch. If you wait too long, your spectacular fireworks show will look like the backs of people’s heads.

Plus, don’t start your partying too early. Pace yourself or you could be passed out before the 9:05 p.m. fireworks.

And finally, do be patient. You’ll be sitting around doing nothing or moving at a slug’s pace most of the day. So take the opportunity to chat up a stranger or soak in the river’s beauty. And remember that Riverfest is one of those things that makes Cincinnati special.