COME AS YOU AREN'T: Costumes are welcome; the folks from Loca Luna are coming as pirates.

It’s been so long since the Arkansas Times celebrated the winners of our annual readers survey of the best people, places and things in Little Rock and beyond, no one here can accurately put a date on it. We’re getting old. But not too old to know that it’s time to revive the shindig in the splashiest way possible.

So, in that spirit, make plans to attend the Best of Arkansas: Hollywood Nights party on Thursday, July 26, presented by datamax. Why should you come? Let us count the reasons:

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1) It’s a celebration of your favorite everything, as voted on by you in our readers survey, so you’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with everyone from your favorite artist, to your favorite jazz man, to your favorite chiropractor, to your favorite real estate agent. Just think of what you could learn if you come prepared to ask a lot of questions. Also, if you’re so inclined, imagine the networking possibilities!

2) The party is happening at the Albert Pike Masonic Center, the George Mann-designed mammoth Neo-Classical Revival building that occupies half a block at 712 Scott St. Unless you knew the secret handshake and/or code words, for 90 years, until 2014, the building and all its secrets were closed to you. So take advantage of this opportunity to get a peek inside and see what all the mystery was about.

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3) As you might’ve guessed, this is a themed party. You’re invited to wear cocktail attire (boring) or dress up as your favorite movie character. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, here are a few suggestions: Willy Wonka, the scary clown from “It,” Indiana Jones, Gandalf, Ben Stiller’s character from “The Royal Tennenbaums.”

4) Admission — $40 per person or $75 per couple; get tickets at centralarkansastickets.com — gets you a delicious menu of on-theme food from Simply the Best Catering (more below) along with a complimentary broad drink menu, including beer and wine from sponsor Glazer’s Beer and Beverage and cocktails made from sponsors Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Crown Royal, Captain Morgan, Bulleit Bourbon and Baileys. Bar-tending teams from local bars and restaurants will be on hand, in costume, pouring specialty drinks. They include 107 Liquor reps dressed as the stars of “Sex and the City” making Smirnoff vodka and Bulleit Bourbon cocktails; Ciao Baci, dressed as mariachi gunfighters, serving Palomas; Loca Luna folks saying “arrrr” a lot in character as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and serving Black Pearl Punch made with Captain Morgan rum; and staff from Red Door channeling “Tombstone” and serving a Johnny Ringo Old Fashioned. 109 & Co., Petit & Keet, Southern Table and others will also be representing.

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5) More about that food. Simply the Best has gone whole hog with the theme: It’ll serve Royale with Cheese Sliders (inspired by “Pulp Fiction”), Bubba Gump Shrimp and Watermelon Ceviche (inspired by “Forrest Gump”), a “Nacho Libre” nacho bar, Fried Green Tomatoes, gazpacho shooters, potato sticks and all sorts of gourmet popcorn.

6) The Dizzy 7, featuring a three-man horn section and full rhythm complement, does all the songs you like to dance to. When you’re not dancing, sponsor Southern Branding will have mini-beach balls all around that you can bounce around and throw at your friends.

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7) The paparazzi will be out, natch. Colonial Wines and Spirits is sponsoring the photo portion of the evening, so make sure you practice looking fierce at home in the mirror in the days leading up to the party.

Chris Harkins with Raymond James and CHI St. Vincent are also sponsors. Get tickets now (centralarkansastickets.com); they’re limited!

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