Beer fests as fundraisers are nothing new. But there is something special about Lowry Park Zoo's WaZoo celebration that keeps people coming back year after year.

In 2004, USAToday declared it one of the Top Ten Beer Festivals in the country and last year's attendance was a record for the event. Despite one big negative - it's held in muggy August when you can almost guarantee an early evening shower - WaZoo just keeps drawing huge crowds.

For people who might be new this year, here my tips and rules of etiquette for getting the most fun out of your WaZoo experience Saturday:

Dress as if you expect to get wet. I can't remember a WaZoo where it didn't rain. But even if the weather cooperates, there is still the matter of thousands of people walking around with cups of beer. Accidents happen, and you'll feel a lot better about any accidental dousing if you aren't wearing that silk number you picked up in Milan.

Chatting is best done at the end of the line. Nothing holds up a line like someone getting a beer and then parking at the booth to chat about the merits of said beer. The volunteers don't want to be rude and tell you to shove off, so self-policing is the best policy. Once you get your sample, move to the back of the line, off to the side or anywhere out of the way and savor your beer there, so others can try it for themselves.

Quality over quantity. It's a festival not a bender. No prizes are awarded to the first meathead to sample everything. Explore a few favorite styles, or stick to breweries you've never seen before or beer styles you have never tried. The point of a beer fest is not to walk away with a buzz, but with a better understanding and appreciation of beer.

Visit the Saint Somewhere Brewing booth. Don't ask. Just do it.

Say thank you, a lot. Most of the people pouring your beers at WaZoo (like at all beer fests) are volunteers and beer industry people who work the event because they love spreading the word of good beer. They have fun too, but they are primarily there to make sure you have fun. Let them know you appreciate that by saying thanks.

Drink lots of water. A good rule of thumb any time you are imbibing is to drink equal amounts of water for every beer you consume.

Ask questions when appropriate. But off to the side, of course. Many of the beers at WaZoo will be brewed by local commercial and home brewers and these people genuinely enjoy talking about beer. Just bear in mind that many of the volunteers may not be knowledgeable about the specific beers they are pouring.

Learn more about beer before you go. There are more than 80 styles of beer and many will be represented at WaZoo. Since it's a bad idea to try to sample everything, a little research can give you a better idea of what beer styles might best suit your palate. Visit www.ratebeer.com or www.beeradvocate.com to bone up on your beer knowledge.