Volunteers prepare for Montana Folk Festival this weekend

But it wouldn't be possible without all the volunteer work behind the scenes, helping to keep the Folk Festival smooth, safe, and free to enjoy every summer.

"Getting everything ready, tearing everything down afterwards, getting the signs up, all the stages, the sound systems... it goes on and on and on," said volunteer coordinator Brad Rixford of the monumental task of putting the Folk Festival on.

Routinely, organizers need around 900 different people to lend a hand in order to pull the festival off. They've been thrilled with the response from the Mining City this year, as they've nearly reached their volunteer goal with time to spare.

"It's amazing how many volunteers have done this throughout the history of the festival since 2008," Rixford said. "Every year, I ask people, and they raise their hand. It's incredible the support that this town and the volunteers give."

Weather will play a major factor this weekend, with temperatures expected to approach 90 degrees. There will be a number of tents and shady areas set up around major stages, as well as other solutions to beat the heat.

"We provide water at various locations in the festival," Rixford said. "We also have misters, which are welcome and will be this weekend--it's going to be warm."

"People should be a little careful about having too many beers," Rixford advised. "I hate to discourage the sale of beverages, but there are other beverages beside beer and wine."

You can find everything you need to have a fun and safe weekend, including maps and the performer schedule, at the Montana Folk Festival website. You can also find volunteer applications, which are still being accepted.