Event highlights this week include:
Oct. 12-13, Red Wing Red Wing Arts Fall Festival
Oct. 12-13, Hastings St. Croix River Valley Apple Fest
Oct. 12, Brainerd Fall Arts & Crafts Festival & Hidden Hollows
Oct. 11-12, Bemidji Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon + Be Active Expo & Bring Her Home
Oct. 9-13, Duluth Catalyst Content Festival
For another great weekend activity, check out 10 Minnesota Pumpkin Patches for a Family Adventure!
Southern Minnesota
Sept. 6 - Oct. 26, Wabasha SeptOberfest Attend the annual SeptOberfest celebration and check out artistic displays of thousands of pumpkins, cornstalks, flowers, straw bales and gourds among the natural beauty of the winding Mississippi River, vibrant trees and majestic bluffs. Also enjoy pumpkin races, scarecrow contests, live entertainment, glorious food, largest pumpkins, free concerts, carriage rides and much more. And don't miss the five Fall Seasonal Boutiques filled with treasures! Sites and venues throughout Wabasha. 651-565-4158
Oct. 4-5 & 11-12, New Ulm Oktoberfest Don't miss one of the best Oktoberfest celebrations in the nation! This traditional festival is modeled after one of the world’s largest celebrations, held each year for several centuries in Munich, Germany. The 38th Annual Oktoberfest includes festivities all over New Ulm. The Best Western Plus will be the site of musical entertainment, including New Ulm's Concord Singers and a variety of bands, German goods for sale and plenty of food and drink. Downtown will feature bands performing in the streets both Saturdays, with plenty of food and drink available. Morgan Creek Vineyards hosts the ever-popular New Ulm Grape Stomp the first Saturday, and Schell's Brewery will have music, food and drink the second Saturday. Voted Best Oktoberfest in MN by WCCO, and ranked among the Best Oktoberfest Celebrations in the nation by Fodor's Travel (2014), Tripping.com (2015), Fox News (2016), Huffington Post (2016), Travel + Leisure (2017), USA TODAY (2017), and Food&Wine (2017). 507-233-4300
Oct. 11-12, Pipestone Paranormal Weekend Pipestone's 6th Annual Paranormal Weekend includes Ghost Walks, Bedtime Stories at the Calumet, Paranormal Exhibition Hall, Historic Cemetery Tours, Ghost Hunting 101, Psychic Gallery Readings by Psychic Susie Otto, "Tales from the Grave" Cemetery Tour and much more! Historic Downtown Pipestone. 507-825-2563
Oct. 11 - Nov. 2 (Fridays & Saturdays), Zumbrota Fright at the Farm Visit southern Minnesota's most horrifying haunted attraction, with over 10,000 square feet of indoor haunts and haunted outdoor paths. This walk-through experience features live actors. On Blackout Fridays, all lights will be turned off in the mazes. You will only have an LED candle to light your way, and actors will startle and disorient you inside the mazes. Willow's Keep Farm. 507-491-2639
Oct. 12-13, Red Wing Red Wing Arts Fall Festival Enjoy the fall colors of the Mississippi River Valley as you join in the 53rd Annual Red Wing Arts Fall Festival. This juried arts festival includes artwork by more than 100 artists, as well as great food vendors, live music and more in downtown Red Wing. While in Red Wing, don't miss Davina and the Vagabonds performing at The Sheldon Theatre on Oct. 12! 651-388-7569; 651-388-8700
Oct. 17, 20, 24 & 31, Pine Island The Haunted Olde Pine Theatre The stage lights go out after the performance and then the paranormal activity begins. Explore the Olde Pine Theatre in the dark. This is a haunted attraction with live actors that will startle and scare you as you navigate an authentic 1950's theatre. Be prepared to be terrified! Olde Pine Theatre. 507-491-2639
Oct. 19, Harmony Haunted Harmony Head to Harmony over MEA weekend for some Halloween-themed fun! Highlights include the Grand Halloween Parade, Halloween movies, costume contest for kids, downtown trick-or-treating, Niagara Cave tours, Monster Bash Haunted House (one of Minnesota's top Haunted Houses!) and more. Downtown Harmony. 507-886-2469
Oct. 19-20 & 26-27, Waseca Sinister Forest Hidden up on a hill, overlooking Clear Lake, lies Maplewood Forest. The remnants of a time forgotten, its deteriorated old buildings, hold a dark history. Are you brave enough to walk the archaic paths through the dark forest as you try to reach the end without waking the evil that lives within the shadows of the trees? This event is not recommended for children under 10. Maplewood Park. 507-833-9281
Oct. 25-31, Owatonna Spooktacular Halloween Weekend & Trick or Treat Trail Enjoy several Halloween events geared towards children including Trick or Treat Trail at the Steele County Fairgrounds Park, a Halloween Party at the Owatonna Arts Center, Halloween photos, crafts & games at Cabella's, and more! 507-451-7970
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Sept. 13 - Nov. 3 (Fridays through Sundays), Shakopee Sever's Fall Festival and Corn Maze Experience the largest corn maze in the state with dozens of other attractions, activities and vendors at the new Shakopee location! Immerse yourself in Sever's Jurassic Adventure and look for six pictures of "Paleontologist Sever." Mark your map with where you found him and enter your answers on Sever's website for a chance to $500 at the end of the season. Sever's Fall Festival grounds. 952-270-6293
Sept. 21 - Oct. 27, Brooklyn Park Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze Wander through this year’s 20-acre maze which is specially designed to honor the Lynx and includes team trivia questions throughout. Jump in the corn pit, stroll through the straw bale maze and enjoy live music, a petting zoo, duck and goat races, hayrides, inflatables and a giant slide! Awesome fair food and refreshments will also be available. Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze grounds. 952-992-9326
Sept. 21 - Oct. 31, Lino Lakes Waldoch Farm Fall Fun Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Waldoch Farm is a great fall destination for family-oriented activities. Highlights include the Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch and Maze Area featuring the corn box, teen/adult pedal carts, youth pedal carts, pedal trikes, obstacle course, playhouses, tug-o-war, Pumpkin Castle, swings and wooden play sets, the Mini Maze, Farm Dig sand box, toddler straw maze, farm animals at the Joyer Barnyard and much more. Hay rides to the pumpkin patch are complimentary. Waldoch Farm Garden Center. 651-780-1207
Oct. 1-13, Minneapolis Mean Girls Based on a book by Tina Fey, Mean Girls tells the story of a naive newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies. Entertainment Weekly calls it "A Marvel: dazzling and hilarious!" and USA Today writes, "We'll let you in on a little secret, because we're such good friends: Get Your Tickets Now!" Historic Orpheum Theatre. 612-339-7007
Oct. 1 - Nov. 2, Roseville Haunted Basement The Haunted Basement is literally in a basement, and it's deliciously moist. Expect strong smells, physical contact and projectile liquids. You may get very messy, you may have to crawl, and you may find yourself in a confined space with something horrible. If necessary, just say "Uncle." Rosedale Shopping Center. 612-444-2191
Oct. 1 - Nov. 3, Apple Valley Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular Don't miss the 2nd Annual Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, part pumpkin patch, part art installation. Wind your way through more than 5,000 glowing carved pumpkins and get lost in the magic. Let the area's best pumpkin artists take you on a journey around the world. This night-time event is enchanting for all ages. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200; 952-431-9500
Oct. 5 & 12, New Prague Barten Pumpkins: Family Fun Saturdays Mark your calendar for two Family Fun Saturdays, and enjoy a wide range of free activities at the pumpkin patch including hay rides, face painting, caricatures, pony rides, bubble machine, petting zoo and music. Find the perfect pumpkin for everyone in the family, and explore the colorful gourds, squash and other festive decor. Stilts, yard games, the log cabin and sandbox will also be available for the kids. Admission is free. Pumpkins are priced by size. Cash only please. Barten Pumpkin Farm. 952-758-3729
Oct. 12-13, Hastings St. Croix River Valley Apple Fest Join the Hastings Area Apple Orchards for apple picking, crafts, corn mazes, hayrides and more! Held at St. Croix Valley Carpenter Nature Center, Afton Apple Orchard, Fischer Croix Farm Orchard, and Whistling Well Farm. 651-437-4359
Oct. 12-13, Stillwater Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off Stillwater's Harvest Fest celebrates the beautiful fall colors amidst the region's Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off. Area growers bring pumpkins weighing 1500 pounds and up for the weigh-off! Other highlights include pumpkin baking and decorating contests, a chili cook-off, micro-brew beer and wine tasting, Giant Pumpkin Boat Race and Pumpkin Regatta on the St. Croix River, live music, Kids' Costume Parade, Kids' Tractor Pull, face painting, pie-eating contest and more! Lowell Park and Historic Lift Bridge. 651-351-0422
Oct. 12-27 (Saturdays, Sundays & MEA Weekend), Brooklyn Park Twin Cities Harvest Festival For a true autumn experience, wind your way through Minnesota's largest corn maze at Twins Cities Harvest Festival and Maze. In addition to the legendary corn maze, families and friends can enjoy the straw bale maze, petting zoo, inflatables, pumpkin patch, hayrides, giant slide and corn pit where kids can dive into a pool of corn kernels. Fair foods and drinks will be available, such as mini donuts, cider and hot chocolate, and live music will be played throughout the grounds. Twin Cities Corn Maze. 952-992-9326
Oct. 13, Bloomington Ballroom Dance Showcase Watch some of the best ballroom dancing in the Twin Cities when USA Dance-MN sponsors an all-star showcase of ballroom dancing, including waltz, tango and foxtrot to swing. This fun-filled 60-minute showcase will highlight the talents of many local competitors and social dance enthusiasts of all ages. Mall of America Rotunda. 952-883-8800
Oct. 19, St. Paul Miranda Lambert - Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour Miranda nurtures two of her passions - music and mutts - on this tour through a partnership with Animal Ark at the "Fill the Little Red Wagon" activation, located at the entrance of the arena before the show. See animals available for adoption, and learn how you can foster, volunteer or attend one of their community events. Fans who make a monetary donation or donate new pet supplies the night of the show will be entered for a chance to win a VIP package to the show and a seat upgrade. Xcel Energy Center. 651-726-8240
Oct. 19, Maple Grove Halloween Family Fun Event This fun Halloween event for the entire family includes more than 20 host stations sponsored by community groups, businesses and volunteers. Children will enjoy Monster Inflatables, the Web of Confusion Maze, the Dizzy Mummy, Candy Corn Bowling, pumpkin rolling, fishing in the Bottomless Well, Skull Island treasure hunting, face painting, the Scream Contest, treats and more! Children should come dressed in costume for the Halloween Costume Fashion Show. Weaver Lake Park. 763-494-5985
Oct. 19, Bloomington Twin Cities Tool Swap and Expo The Minnesota Woodworkers Guild will host The Twin Cities Tool Swap and Expo. This event is geared towards woodworking and DIY enthusiasts. As part of the show, there will be an open exhibition area featuring the latest and greatest tools and products by some of the best vendors and manufacturers in the DYI business, as well as seminars and a tool swap in the parking lot for you to buy, sell or trade your no longer needed tools and equipment! Bloomington Armory. 651-271-4829
Oct. 19-20, Cottage Grove Agate, Mineral, Gem & Fossil Show This is the Minnesota Mineral Club's 17th Annual Show featuring agate, mineral, gem and fossil exhibits and dealers, beads and jewelry, demonstrations, speakers and rock identification. The Kids' Corner includes lots of great earth science activities for kids! National Guard Training & Community Center. 763-717-1641
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: Mean Girls (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 1-13 Lizzo - Cuz I Love You Too Tour at The Armory in Minneapolis, Oct. 9 & 11 Creedence Clearwater Revisited at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Oct. 11 The Mavericks at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 11 Kansas: Point of No Return at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 12 Mt. Joy at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, Oct. 12 Zedd: Orbit Tour at the Armory in Minneapolis, Oct. 12 Heart: Love Alive Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Oct. 13 Neil DeGrasse Tyson at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 15 Menopause: The Musical at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 15-17 Frank Turner at the Pantages Theatre, Oct. 18 Get the Led Out - The American Led Zeppelin Tour at Ames Center in Burnsville, Oct. 18 Ingrid Michaelson at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 18 Fabulous Armadillos at Ames Center in Burnsville, Oct. 19 Jeff Ross at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Oct. 19 Miranda Lambert: Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, Oct. 19 Michael Franti & Spearhead at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 22 Russian Ballet Theatre Presents Swan Lake at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 24 Boz Scaggs at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Oct. 25 Warren Miller Films - Timeless at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 25-26 A Day to Remember at The Armory, Oct. 27 Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic at the Xcel Energy Center, Oct. 27 Chance the Rapper: The Big Day at the Xcel Energy Center, Oct. 29 Rezz at The Armory, Oct. 31 Alessia Cara at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Nov. 1 Randy Travis at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Nov. 1 Hanson at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Nov. 8 Cat & Nat at the Pantages Theatre, Nov. 9 Chris D'Elia at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 9 Trisha Yearwood at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Nov. 9 Theresa Caputo at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Nov. 10 Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Oct. 11-26 (Fridays and Saturdays), Brainerd Hidden Hollows: Haunted Corn Maze & Haunted House Travel through the Haunted Corn Maze and Haunted House very carefully or you may get lost inside forever. Hidden Hollows is considered to be central Minnesota's largest haunted attraction. Paul Bunyan Land. 218-764-2524
Oct. 12, Brainerd Fall Arts & Crafts Festival The 40th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival features quality handmade items by more than 100 artists and crafters. Come a day early, and attend a concert by the Fabulous Armadillos on Friday, Oct. 11 at Tornstrom Auditorium. This is their best show with video, photos, special guests and the incredible music of Hendrix, Janis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Dylan, CSN&Y and many others about daily life in Vietnam. Brainerd Senior High School. 218-825-0410
Oct. 12, Onamia Family Day by the Water Spend the day on the shores of Lake Mille Lacs and enjoy family-friendly games and programs around the theme of water, including coloring, puzzles, beading, story time and outdoor activities (weather permitting). Guests are encouraged to explore the new interactive exhibit, We Are Water MN, on view in the visitor center. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Oct. 17-20, Saint Joseph Park Escape The HIKEhoppers Park Escape is a new twist on Escape Room venues. It will bring you together with friends and family, set you up with a storyline and challenge you to decode puzzles, ciphers, and riddles just like a traditional Escape Room - the twist is Park Escape takes place in a county park. Participants engage in a physical adventure game while hiking a specific trail - same concept, more movement and a little different look of the puzzles as you need to be on the move to complete the trail in the allotted 60 to 90-minute time frame. Do you have what it takes to make it out? Kraemer Lake and Wildwood County Park.
Oct. 18-19, Brainerd Northland Arboretum Haunted Trail Experience haunted thrills and chills as you walk the 1.5 mile high scare trails through the dark woods, with special effects, black lights, selfie stations and a bonfire and cider at the end of the trail. A low scare trail will also be offered. Northland Arboretum. 218-829-8770
Oct. 18-26 (Fridays & Saturdays), Sauk Centre Monster Manor Get your frights at Monster Manor with new scares this year. No need to wait in line outside in the cold since there is an indoor heated waiting area! Stearns County Fairgrounds. 320-248-5511
Oct. 25-26, Alexandria Unwrap your Candy - Stage Play From the author of Quills comes a deliciously macabre collection of four short plays. Alternately chilling and hilarious, Unwrap Your Candy is an evening of bedtime tales for adults guaranteed to keep you awake for nights on end. Fire Pit Productions. 320-815-7664
Oct. 26, Glenwood Powderfinger: A Tribute to Music of Neil Young Celebrate the music of Neil Young with Powderfinger, Minnesota's premier Neil Young Tribute Band. Powderfinger has been performing the music of Neil Young and Crazy Horse for a decade to enthusiastic fans and audiences. Central Square Cultural & Civic Center. 320-634-0400
Northwest Minnesota
Aug. 30 - Oct. 19 (Fridays & Saturdays), Warroad Country Corn Maze The Country Corn Maze presents their 2019 "Paul Bunyan!" corn maze, an eight acre corn maze! In addition to the maze, visitors will enjoy farm animals, hayrides, campfires, Farmball, a Pumpkin Pickin' Patch, the Waxy Willow Trail, concessions and more! Country Corn Maze. 218-469-3390
Oct. 5-26 (Saturdays), Park Rapids Pumpkin Party at Carter's Red Wagon Farm This year's Pumpkin Parties feature a Lewis & Clark corn maze, an interactive wagon ride around the farm, and scenes from Lewis & Clark's journey west! Admission includes two corn mazes, giant hay bale maze, straw bale maze, play barn/silo/tree house, giant slides, Nerf Wars, giant pumpkin boats, interactive wagon ride, crow shoot, corn pit, farm mini golf, duck races, three ImagiNick shows, live bluegrass from "Working It Out," pumpkin carving demos from Master Pumpkin Carver Terry Morris, and lots more. There is a minimal charge for face painting. Concessions, general store items and pumpkins are available for purchase. Visitors may also bring their own food! Carter's Red Wagon Farm. 218-732-4979
Oct. 11-12, Bemidji Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon & Be Active Expo The 7th Annual Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon is one of the most beautiful races around. On Friday, enjoy a Kids' Fun Run and a 5K Run/Walk for participants of all ages and abilities. The 5K will start and finish at the Sanford Center and the Fun Run will be held within the Sandford Center. Marathon runners and walkers will head along the south shore of Lake Bemidji, turning around at Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. The "Be Active Expo" is part of the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon Weekend at Sanford Center. 877-250-5959
Oct. 11 - Nov. 30, Bemidji Bring Her Home: Stolen Daughters of Turtle Island View original artwork by 20 Indigenous artists from across the United States and many tribal nations. Bring Her Home highlights the ongoing epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, sharing the visual stories of the impacted women through paintings, digital work, sculpture and photography. An opening reception will be held Oct. 11. Watermark Art Center. 218-444-7570
Oct. 12, East Grand Forks North Country Fiddle and Community Dance North Country Fiddle and Community Dance celebrates traditional music and dance in the Red River Valley of the North. A variety of group dances are taught, including reels, square dances, circle mixers and contra dances. A few waltzes and schottisches for couples may be mixed in as well. All dances are taught by a caller, and newcomers are always welcome. The Prairiefest Tag Team will provide the callers and music. East Grand Forks Senior Center. 218-773-3850
Oct. 18 & 19, Crookston The Big One Arts and Crafts Fair The 3nd Annual Crookston Big One Arts and Crafts Fair will include more than 200 vendor booths showcasing arts and crafts, and items such as home decor, apparel and baked goods. CSC Arena. 218-281-1232
Oct. 26, Walker That 70s Gala Enjoy a fabulous evening with gourmet appetizers, games and a silent auction. Come dressed in your favorite 70s disco glam if you can! Entertainment will be provided by Boogie Wonderland, a six-piece Twin Cities based 70s disco dance band. Special room rates and free shuttle service are available at nearby Chase on the Lake. Leech Lake Event Center. 218-616-3383
Northeast Minnesota
Sept. 19 - Oct. 13 (Thursdays through Sundays), Duluth Fall Color Train Tours Enjoy the changing colors along the Lake Superior shoreline as you travel by train to the historic town of Two Harbors. The total excursion time is six hours, with a two hour stop in Two Harbors to tour, shop, eat and enjoy! North Shore Scenic Railroad. 218-733-7504
Oct. 3-12, Duluth The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee The Spelling Bee finalists are ready to go for this wacky and heartfelt musical. Come celebrate the triumphs and tragedies of adolescence, with only temporary pauses for puberty and peanut allergies. Marshall Performing Arts Center. 218-726-8561
Oct. 9-13, Duluth Catalyst Content Festival Catalyst is a year-round educational and professional development story institute empowering creators to bring their narrative stories to fruition. Discover some of the world's best episodic shows and talent while relaxing, interacting and building genuine industry relationships amidst the breathtaking foliage. Catalyst is a 501c3 nonprofit community of creators, executives, agents and fans discovering the best new programming created on independent (aka, non-network) budgets. Festival venues are NorShor, Zeitgeist Teatro, Zeitgeist Zinema 1 and Zinema 2, Spirit of the North at Fitgers, Greysolon Ballroom/Moorish Room, BlackWater Lounge and Old City Hall in Duluth's Historic Arts District. 218-208-0140
Oct. 12, Grand Marais Sawtooth Mountain Challenge Hosted every fall for 25 years at Pincushion Mountain, the Sawtooth Mountain Challenge is the North Shore's longest-running mountain bike race. Adults may choose between 8, 15 and 22 mile singletrack races, and the children may take part in the .25 mile or 1 mile race. Awards and prizes presented at Voyageur Brewing Company in downtown Grand Marais. 218-387-2788
Oct. 13, Duluth Gag Me With A Spoon: A Community Storyshare Adeline Wright of Adeline Inc. is the creator of this event series. Gag Me With A Spoon is an evening of open mic storytelling. In theme with the Moth and Mortified podcasts, anybody can come share true, funny and interesting stories in eight minutes or less. Each GMWAS has featured storytellers and a featured musician followed by open mic journal sharing! Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone. 218-336-1417
Oct. 17-20, Grand Marais Family Weekend There are over a dozen courses to choose from during Family Weekend at the North House Folk School. Some are designed for families to take together (adults and kids), while others are for kids only. There will also be live craft demonstrations all weekend so stop by even if you don't have time for a class. The fun continues in the evenings with a contra dance and a wood-fired pizza potluck. Register soon as courses are filling up quickly! North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
Oct. 18-19, Ely Wolves After Dark Have you ever wondered what happens after nightfall with the International Wolf Center’s ambassador wolves? Here’s your opportunity to participate in “Citizen Science” and document important behavioral data critical to understanding the Exhibit Pack dynamics. Participants actually camp out in the Center’s auditorium in full view of the wolf viewing windows! The next morning, after a relaxing continental breakfast, analyze the evening’s observations and interpret the behavior. Bring your sense of adventure, a sleeping bag and pillow for this unique overnight opportunity at the Center. International Wolf Center. 218-365-4695
Oct. 18, 19, 25 & 26, Grand Rapids Spooky Timbers A truly spooky and mysterious event with creepy logging camp experiences, music, storytelling and zany trolley rides into the inky shadows of the forest where mythical creatures lurk. If you dare, walk into the foggy mist by the light of lanterns and be prepared for the unexpected. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Oct. 25-26, Duluth 21+ Flashlight Tours 21+ Flashlight Tours are back for two days only this fall. First, you will need to be 21 or older to be on the tour. As part of your cost for admission, you will receive a branded Glensheen Flashlight Tour pint glass with… a sippy cup cover. The cover allows you to bring your glass and alcoholic beverage inside the mansion. There is also a cash bar with beer and wine. Guests will enjoy the warmth of a live fire in the newest tour space, the Carriage House Living Room. Inside the mansion, all the lights have been turned off. Each group is accompanied by a guide who will illuminate pieces throughout the house, which allows you to appreciate this rare collection in a new light. Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Events Page to learn of other festivals and events!
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