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At the What's Up? Magazines Best Of Party on June 21st, you'll get the chance to live the full Hollywood experience. Flashing lights, glitzy gifts, glamorous decor--we've got it all. You crowned our winners, and now you get your reward. (Sorry if that came off sounding like Jafar in Aladdin. We're totally not going to throw you into the Cave of Wonders. Am I dating myself? Am I rambling?)
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Moving on!
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After you park your car (for free), you'll walk down the red carpet to our waiting paparazzi. As you head in, your entry photos will be past projected live onto our new social website, Towne Social. Seriously--just like the Oscar's.
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Inside, you'll get the chance to meet many of the winners (not to mention sample some of their fabulous wares). Doug Segree (Annapolis' best local musician) and Hot Tub Limo (his band counterpart from the Eastern Shore) will perform prior to the awards presentation, and more than 30 of the best restaurants from Annapolis, the Eastern Shore, and West County will be on hand with some of their top-voted dishes.
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As you mingle around, your "my ticket earns me this" free drink in hand, you'll also be able to owse our silent auction. And this may sound like agging, but it is awesome. Tickets to the 2013 Grammy's? Culinary lessons at Le Cordon Blue, Paris? A luxurious trip to Napa Valley? I want it all! And the best part is that you don't have to feel greedy about placing your bids--proceeds benefit the Hospice of the Chesapeake and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
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And, if you stop for a moment to just soak in the luxuriousness (because, really, when else will you get the chance to make "soak in the luxuriousness" a reality?), you'll notice the folks painted like live Oscars, projections of glamorous old movies, and awesome decorations. And I strongly encourage you to stop for a moment to hang out in the Mercedes Lounge, have some elaborate face painting done, or snap some photos in the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland photo booth.
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Did I mention that if you come dressed as your favorite cele ity, you could win $250? (Now, how do I convince my male compatriot to go as Ruth Reichl in my stead?)
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Tickets to this year's Best Of party can be purchased online or at the door. They're $65 in advance and $80 at the door, with a VIP upgrade available for $35. Upgrading earns you VIP parking, expedited entry, unlimited drinks, and a VIP swag bag.
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The party takes place between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the Lawrence "N" Room of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. You can find out more, and buy your tickets, by visiting the Best Of site here.