Throughout the evening, we confirmed several sightings. One of the biggest concentration of celebs was at the Arkansas Arts Center, which hosted a gathering of Clintonistas, city officials and other big names. They included Chevy Chase, Robin Williams, Kevin Spacey, Jesse Jackson, Judy Collins, Ed Begley Jr., Donna Shalala, Henry Cisneros and former California Gov. Gray Davis. You recall him, don't you? Sorry.

We either saw or had confirmation of other sightings last night. In no particular order:

• Howard Dean, former Vermont governor and candidate for the Democratic nomination for president, talking to a group of suits on President Clinton Avenue near Boscos.
• Judge Reinhold, the "Seinfeld" close-talker and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" star, posing for pics with fans inside the River Market Artspace — last seen giving an unidentified woman a foot massage in same Artspace …
• U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., former presidential candidate, entering the Peabody Hotel.
• Markie Post, "Night Court" and "Hearts Afire" TV star, entering the Peabody Hotel.
• Bono, lead singer for rockers U2, shaking hands with fans at the Peabody.
• Robin Williams at Vermillion Water Grille, visiting many tables and posing for pics with fans.
• Barbra Streisand eating at Vermillion Water Grille.
• Sam Donaldson seen near Nu Cuisine.
• Al Franken, political humorist, radio host, posing for pics with a fan outside the Peabody, showing up later at the Nu Cuisine party.
• George Stephanopoulos, former Clinton/Gore "War Room" staffer, now host of ABC's "This Week," arriving at the Peabody in an SUV, carrying his own bags.
• Greta Van Sustren, host of "Fox News"' "On the Record," walking President Clinton Avenue.

Star-watching crowds gathered near Nu Cuisine, Sticky Fingerz and the Peabody hoping to glimpse somebody, anybody. The arrival of limos sent folks into a frenzy. Whispers of famous people swept through the throng. Someone noticed retired U.S. Gen. Wes Clark through the massive windows at Nu: "There's Wesley Clark!" A person nearby misheard: "You see Wesley Snipes?" "No. Wesley Clark." The other, now disappointed: "Oh."

But beyond the star sightings, the amazing fact about the evening remained the sheer number of people downtown. Lines outside every bar, every restaurant. Hour-and-a-half waits for dinner. A crowed River Market Pavillion.

Have celebrity pics? Send them here, we'll try to post them soon.