We have lots of categories in our 4th annual Best of Salem reader poll. But we’ll admit, we don’t have everything.

To make up for that, we have the category called “best thing not on this list.”

Last year, the top three things in that category The Ol’ Mule Hot Dog Company, the Home Inspection Company, and Greener Pastures Curbside Recycling.

In 2010, the top three were The Ol Mule Hot Dog Company, Scott & Ellie’s Ice Cream and Anna Metheny Photography.

In 2009? We didn’t have the category then.

So how about this year? What are the best things in Salem that don’t appear to be reflected in any of our existing categories?

You can find the voting form right here (or over in the right-hand rail.)

Consider this the ultimate write-in category!

The voting is open through midnight on Sunday, March 11; we’ll publish the results in our April 20 print edition.

A few new wrinkles: To make it easier to vote, we’ve gone ahead and listed the top six finishers last year in the business categories — although, as always, you can cast a write-in vote if your favorite isn’t already listed.

If you’ve got someone or some thing you think should be recognized, feel free to start a campaign to drum up votes.

Is there someone or something who should be recognized who doesn’t fit into a category? We always have our “best thing not on this list.”

Happy voting!

Here’s who won in 2011 and 2010 and 2009.

Got friends in other places? We also have Best Of contests underway in Botetourt County, Southwest Roanoke County and the New River Valley.