One of the highlights of 2015 for me was the Columbus Ale Trail. There are 25 breweries in the Columbus area. They teamed up, along with a network of partners and supporters, to create the Columbus Ale Trail. You simply stop by any of the participating breweries to get your Ale Trail Brew Book, then get it stamped at each location you visit and purchase a beer from. When you make it to four, stop by one of the Experience Columbus locations for a free pint glass. The first 500 people to visit all 20 participating breweries receive a free tshirt (legit most comfy shirt ever), which can be picked up at the Ohio Tap Room. There are about 60 left, and shirts will be available to purchase for $8 after. The trail isn’t just about drinking beer - it takes you to new parts of town, allows you to meet cool people (the staff and customers alike), and supports local businesses. We started in May and ended in August, and found it the perfect summer activity (but really any time of year would have been perfect for it). We often paired our trips to breweries with stops to restaurants or parks nearby that we might not have otherwise visited, adding to the adventure. Good news from Ale Trail cofounder, Cheryl Harrison of Drink Up Columbus fame: The trail is returning in 2016, and making its debut during Columbus Craft Beer Week May 13-21st! There may be new breweries and there will be new rewards, so even if you complete the 2015 trail, there will be incentive to trail again next year! Here is a roundup of my 5 favorite stops. Even if you don’t want to complete the full trail, or are just visiting Columbus for a day, definitely look into these spots out - you won’t regret it! Rockmill Brewery: Located in Lancaster (about 30 minutes from Columbus), Rockmill is one of the most unique locations on the trail. They specialize in Belgian beers because the water found on their farm has a similar mineral content of that found in Wallonia, Belgium. You’re free to roam around the property, so you can enjoy a beer on one of the couches in the old farmhouse, out on the patio, or down by the pond. While they don’t serve food, they encourage you to bring your own. They sometimes close for private events, so check their website first before visiting. *Tip: Rock Mill Park is located just down the street. Stop by to check out the old grist mill, covered bridge, and charming little waterfall. I also suggest a trip to Slate Run Farm or Chestnut Ridge, which are close, for a hike if you’re feeling real ambitious. North High Brewing: This was our first stop on the trail. We’d been before, and quite a few times since, and not just because we can walk there. We love the beer, the staff is always friendly (and super excited to give us tips on other breweries to check out), and the crowd never too fratty or crazy. North High is unique in that you can brew your own beer here. You can choose from dozens of blends, and even get to come back to bottle. There is always a party there brewing - which you can watch from the bar. Perhaps that will be on my 2016 to do list! *Tip: There is parking, across the street, behind Kroger. Come during sunset and, thanks to the open lot across the street, you can view the best sunsets. Elevator Brewing Company: Elevator operates a bar and restaurant, as well as a taproom. We opted to visit the taproom on a rainy Saturday. It’s perfectly low key, with a small bar (with kegs for stools!) a few tables to hang out at, a couple of tvs with old school Nintendo - yes, please. The atmosphere alone is enough to bring me back, but the beer is delicious. If you can’t make it to all stops on the trail, prioritize this one. *Tip: There is parking lot, as well as plenty of street parking. Wolf’s Ridge is a block away - two for one stop! Homestead Beer Company: We made to Homestead, located in Heath, on a sunny afternoon in the summer. Although it was nice outside (and they have cornhole!), we opted to sit at the bar where the staff and patrons were so friendly and fun to talk with. The bartender was knowledgeable about the company's operations, the fellow patrons immediate new friends, and the beer delicious and reasonably priced. Not surprising, lots of regulars stopped in to get growlers refilled while we were there. We opted to start with a flight of 5 samples before committing to a pint. When you visit (and you must), note that you will not see signage for it off the main road. It will look like you’re turning into Boeing’s facilities, but you’ll cross the train tracks and drive on back and find this small but awesome operation. *Tip: Check out their website in advance for hours and food truck offerings, and a map view of where you’re heading. Four String Brewing Company:
Like most stops, Four String offers flights or pints in their small but awesome tap room, tucked away off 6th Ave in Grandview. There isn’t much here but a small bar, a few tables, and the equipment used to brew their beers, but really what else do you need? Their Brassknuckle IPA is my current favorite beer, and has been for some time. I order it wherever I go, and gave my mother strict orders to have it for me at Thanksgiving. *Tip: Check out their website for food truck offerings, or swing by Zauber (across the street) for a bite and another stamp in your book.
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Another week of lots going on! I'll be spending Saturday at my grandparent's farm out in eastern Ohio, and Sunday I'll be cheering on my mom and step sistah at the Columbus Marathon - gonna be a good one! If you've got something going on in the coming weeks, please let me know! I'm happy to share the details here.
Friday, October 16th Mason What: Halloween Haunt at Kings Island Where: Kings Island When: Friday - Sunday until November 1st Cost: $29.99 and up More Details: Mazes, thrill rides, scare zones, entertainment and more! www.visitkingsisland.com Springfield What: All Hollows' Eve at the Crabill Homestead Where: Crabill Homestead When: Friday and Saturday, 6:00 - 9:00pm Cost: Adults 16+ $5, Ages 6-15 $3, 5 & under free More Details: http://grcha.org/ Saturday, October 17th Clarksville What: Bonnybrook Farms Lantern Light Dinner Ride & Corn Maze Where: Bonnybrook Farms When: 7:30 - 10:30pm Cost: $38 - 50 More Details: From the website: Enjoy a famous 'made from scratch' Bonnybrook farm dinner with seasonal fall sides and desserts in the post and beam Gathering Barn. After dinner, board the wagon for a ride along old stone roads on this historic farm. Soldiers, town folk, spies and politicians portrayed by professional theater actors commemorate the 150 year anniversary of the Civil War in Ohio. Bring a flashlight to find your way through the shadowy crazed corn maze. Reservations required. $38 - $50. http://clintoncountyohio.com/list/events/events-bonnybrook-farms-lantern-light-dinner-ride-corn-maze545bb91f6b2d5a3a1e000001 Columbus What: All Hallows’ Eve Where: Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Ave. When: 5:30 - 9:30pm Cost: Adults $12, ages 6-12, $9, children 5 and under free More Details: Enjoy an evening of family fun with the retelling of Headless Horseman and more! Harveysburg What: The Ohio Renaissance Festival Where: Harveysburg When: Saturdays and Sundays through October 25th, 10:30am - 6:00pm Cost: $18.95 adults, $8.95 kids (5-12) More Details: A 30-acre re-creation of a 16th century English Village. Food, drink, crafts, costumed characters, shows and more. http://www.renfestival.com/ Logan What: Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Color Hike Where: Old Man's Cave, 20160 State Route 664 South When: 1:00pm Cost: Free More Details: From the website: Bring along a cool drink and celebrate the season's colors. Meet with the naturalist at the Old Man's Cave Visitor Center for a strenuous hike that spans roughly 6 miles of the Grandma Gatewood trail. We will be traversing the section that runs from Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls and back while enjoying the scenic beauty and cultural personality. This hike does include several hills and steps and is not recommended for the easily winded individual. Approximately 3-4 hours. Sunday, October 18th Columbus What: The Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon Where: Starts and ends at North Bank Park, but the course goes through Bexley, German Village, Campus, Upper Arlington, Grandview When: 7:30am - but depending upon where you watch, you can show up hours later and still see a lot of action. Cost: Free to watch, $125 for the full, half is sold out More Details: If you’re not already training, it’s probably too late for you to sign up now BUT there is still time to spectate and volunteer! As someone who has run several half and full marathons, I cannot stress enough how vital volunteers and spectators are. Volunteers keep the race going in more ways than one, and random strangers cheering for you is beyond helpful. I can’t run this year, so I will be cheering on the runners and cannot wait! http://www.columbusmarathon.com/ Westerville What: Fall Fun Day Tram Rides Where: Blendon Woods Metro Park When: 2:00 - 6:00pm Cost: Free More Details: From the website: Take a tram ride between the Nature Center and Picnic Area to hear seasonal fun facts and stories, see fall colors, stop to play in a giant leaf pile, and roast a marshmallow over a campfire. A fall craft will also be in the Nature Center. https://reservations.metroparks.net/programs/34363 Tuesday, October 20th Hamilton What: Conservation Connection: Salamander Run Planting Where: Salamander Run When: 11:00am - 3:00pm Cost: Free More Details: From the website: Join other volunteers from MetroParks and Three Valley Conservation Trust at Salamander Run for woodland and meadow planting of native meadow, shrub and tree stock and seeds. Choose once or all five days (October 17, 20, 27, 31 and Nov 7)! Great for individuals or groups. Tools and refreshements will be provided! http://reservations.yourmetroparks.net/programs/?s=y&list_programs=1&sdt=10%2F18%2F2015&edt=10%2F20%2F2016&pt=&series=&rm=&kw=&Search=Submit The problem with these roundups is that they are weekly reminders that there is always more going on around Ohio than I have time for, and therefore I am always missing out on something fun. A great problem to have, I suppose. Here is a small, small sampling:
Friday, October 9th Cleveland What: Downtown Dead Zombie Crawl Where: Barley House When: 8:00pm Cost: $15- 20 More Details: From the website: Join us for our annual fundraiser as we celebrate the premier of The Walking Dead with a downtown zombie crawl! Starting at Barley House, we'll be shambling through W 6th St, with drink specials and raffles to guarantee a spooktacular time. Megan Boo, a professional make-up artist, will be transforming guests into zombies, so just bring your appetite for fun (and brains). The crawl starts at 8 pm, and the cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. http://www.downtownresidents.org/ Columbus What: The Columbus Italian Festival Where: North 4th St and Lincoln - Italian Village/Downtown When: Friday from 5:00 - 11:00, Saturday 12:00 - 11:00, Sunday 11:00 - 7:00 Cost: Free More Details: Live music from bands like The Floorwalkers and Gas Pump Jockeys, a Bocce Ball Tournament, a parade (Sunday at 1:00pm), Italian lessons, food, and they'll even be playing the OSU game Saturday! Saturday, October 10th Harveysburg What: The Ohio Renaissance Festival Where: Harveysburg When: Saturdays and Sundays through October 25th, 10:30am - 6:00pm Cost: $18.95 adults, $8.95 kids (5-12) More Details: A 30-acre re-creation of a 16th century English Village. Food, drink, crafts, costumed characters, shows and more. http://www.renfestival.com/ Independence What: Ales on Rails, Beer Tasting Oktober 2015 Where: Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Rockside Station When: 7:00pm Cost: $49 - 80 More Details: Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad while sampling fiver different Oktoberfest brews. Appetizers to compliment the drink will also be served. The cost also includes a commemorative glass. http://www.cvsr.com/ Yellow Springs: What: Yellow Springs Street Fair When: 9:00am - 5:00pm Cost: Free More Details: Craft and art vendors, food, music, beer, street performers, and good times. http://www.yellowspringsohio.org/street-fair/ Sunday, October 11th Oberlin What: Frank Lloyd Wright House Tour Where:534 Morgan St; Oberlin, OH 44074 When: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm Cost: $5 More Details: Every Sunday through November 1st the Weltzheimer/Johnson House at Oberlin College, a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House, is open for tours. The house was designed in 1947 and completed in 1949. Monday, October 12th Bexley What: Taste of Bexley Where: Franklin Park Conservatory When: 5:30 - 8:00pm Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door, $5 kids 3-12 More Details: From the website: Taste of Bexley is a unique event highlighting some of the best food in Bexley and in Columbus. The 7th Annual Taste of Bexley is held at the Franklin Park Conservatory which provides a beautiful setting for a fun filled evening of food from over 20 area restaurants and caterers, live entertainment, celebrity judges, green screen, chair massages, and more! There will be something for everyone! The event will be hosted by Kevin Rouch from the Drexel Theatre. Wednesday, October 14th Peninsula What: Early Evening Hike Where: Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Ledges Shelter When: 6:30 - 8:00pm Cost: Free More Details: A 2.2 mile hike at a moderate pace along the Ledges Trail You guys - there is SO MUCH going on this weekend! It's going to be a good one. Below is just a small sampling. I'll admit I'm most excited about the My Ohio Adventure - Ohio Adventure Club meetup at Yellow Springs, but there is a lot more going on worth checking out! On Friday night, you'll find me at Bacon Fest :)
Friday, September 25th Columbus What: Ohio Bacon Fest When: 4:00 - 10:30pm Where: Columbus Commons Cost: $5 (kids 12 and under free) More Details: From the website: Participating vendors, including local food trucks and restaurants, will have the opportunity to serve signature favorite bacon creations. There will be competitions with local celebrity judges along with the first ever Bacon Eating Contest. http://ohiolovesbacon.com/ Saturday, September 26th Columbus What: The Devil Doves, So Hard, Betsy Ross When: 9:00pm Where: Big Room Bar Cost: $5 More Details: To me, Devil Doves are the highlight. Not just saying that because I know the guys - they will rock your world! It’s bound to be a good time. http://cd1025.com/event/so-hard-devil-doves-betsy-ross-big-room-bar Columbus What: Party Gate When: 12:00pm Where: Panera Bread on Lane Ave Cost: $20 - must purchase online in advance More Details: An OSU tailgate. They've got everything you need - unlimited PBR, free hot dogs, and drinking games, along with live DJ and game coverage. http://www.cbussocialclub.com/buckeye-tailgatess.html Cincinnati: What: Community Bake Day When: 11:00am - 2:00pm Where: Gorman Heritage Farm; 10052 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH Cost: Free More Details: From the website: Join the fun as we share bake space in the Farm's earthen oven! Whether you're craving a delicious homemade pizza, your favorite bread or a sweet baked treat, the cob oven is sure to please! The cob oven will be fired up and ready for use at 11:00 am. If you are bringing pizza dough and toppings, please plan to arrive as close to 11 as possible as pizzas need the highest heat. After all the pizzas are done we can toss in breads and other yummy treats! If making pizza, please bring sauce and toppings. http://www.oeffa.org/events.php Delaware: What: Harvest Fair When: 10:00am - 4:00pm Where: Stratford Ecological Center; 3083 Liberty Road Cost: $5/person or $15/families More Details: On Saturday, Stacie from @littleadvcbus has organized a meetup for families at the Stratford Ecological Center in Delaware. They're meeting at 10:00am for the center's Harvest Fair. There will be wagon rides, cake walks, living history and tons more. Check out @littleadvcbus for more details and to let Stacie know if you're coming! http://www.stratfordecologicalcenter.org/special-events.html Minerva: What: Alpaca Farm Tour When: 10:00am - 4:00pm Where: Alpaca Spring Valley Farm; 3944 Whitacre Ave. SE, Minerva, OH 44657 Cost: There doesn’t appear to be a charge, but you can call to confirm: (330) 868-5353 More Details: Learn about how Alicia Rocco raises alpacas. Walk the farm, touch the alpacas, and more! #youhadmeatalpaca http://www.oeffa.org/events.php Yellow Springs: What: My Ohio Adventure - Ohio Adventure Club Meetup When: 10:00am - 2:00pm Where: John Bryan State Park Cost: Free! More Details: Meet us at 10am at the Orton Picnic area for a brief talk about the geology of the area, a 4-mile hike on the North Rim Trail, followed by food and fun, and a chance to just hang. We will meet at 10:00am at the Orton Picnic area. A park map can be seen here so you know where to find us: http://www.johnbryan.org/uploads/3/0/8/3/3083671/johnbryanparkmap.pdf Pack a picnic and stick around after the hike to just hang out. After that I plan to explore the area a bit. Yellow Springs is full of cool things to do (Young's Dairy, Yellow Springs Brewery, the Tecumseh Land Trust, etc). You can join us in whatever we decide to do, or do your own thing, up to you! So, pack a picnic, grab your friends, and head to Yellow Springs - hope to see you there! Sunday, September 27th Lebanon What: Civil War Encampment When: 11:00am - 4:00pm Where: Glendower Historic Mansion; 105 Cincinnati Ave Cost: Admission is free, but if you want to tour the mansion it’s $7 for adults, $6 for seniors over 65, $4 for Students 5-18. Cash only. More Details: From the website: Ohio Valley Civil War Association returns! Captain Doug Roush of the 19th Ohio Volunteer Infantry puts his men through close order drill and explains the different uniforms, kits and rifles while camp fires simmer a soldier’s supper. Visit the U.S. Sanitary Commission hospital tent, the information officer in the signal corps tent and much more! Canons are fired throughout the day http://www.wchsmuseum.org/events/events-10/civil_war_encampment-55 Everywhere: THERE IS A LUNAR ECLIPSE!! Details from Chris Bradley https://www.facebook.com/ChrisBradley10TV PLEASE SHARE---- Central Ohio will be able to enjoy a rare "Supermoon" Lunar Eclipse this Sunday. Here is what you need to know so your family can enjoy this amazing event: Eclipse begins at 9:07pm Total Eclipse between 10:11pm and 11:23pm Eclipse ends at 12:27am A "Supermoon" occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's perigree...the point in the lunar orbit when it's closest to the Earth..making it appear larger and brighter than normal. The supermoon at the end of this month is expected to be the closest one of 2015, a year that will see six supermoons in all. A lunar eclipse, meanwhile, happens when the moon passes into alignment with the Earth and sun and briefly falls into Earth's shadow. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon often turns a reddish color when it's hit by sunlight bent by the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a phenomenon called a "blood moon." It's extremely unusual for a supermoon and total lunar eclipse to happen at the same time, as they will at the end of this month. NASA says it has happened only five times since 1900, most recently in 1982. There won't be another one until 2033. Confession: this week's roundup is a little light. Things got crazy at work and some serious overtime happened and then oops! It was time to post the roundup and I'd done little research into fun things going on this weekend. Here are a few I do know about, and hope you can check out. Have something coming up you'd like to share with the My Ohio Adventure crew? Send me the details at [email protected] and I'll include it! Friday, September 18th Cincinnati What: Death Cab for Cutie When: 7:30pm Where: PNC Pavilion Cost: $43 - 60, with fees More Details: Who doesn't love Death Cab? Saturday, September 19th Burton What: Milk from Cow to Bottle Tour and Tasting When: 1-3pm Where: Hastings Dairy – 13181 Claridon Troy Road Burton, OH 44021 Cost: $6 (12 and under free) FYI they do not take credit! More Details: They offer tours of the dairy, wagon ridse around the farm, you can view them milking the cows, pet the calves and so much more! http://hastingsdairy.com/calendar-of-events.html Columbus What: Where To Hike In Ohio Presentation When: 3:00pm Where: Highbanks Metro Park Cost: Free! More Details: Whether you are new to hiking, or an experienced backpacker, Ohio has a lot of hiking and backpacking to offer! The Outdoor Source staff has hiked all over the state and will be sharing some advice on finding new trails and hidden hiking spots that will give you a change of scenery. https://reservations.metroparks.net/programs/ Cleveland What: Chalk Festival When: Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-5 Where: Cleveland Museum of Art Cost: Free! More Details: Come watch chalk artists as they create masterpieces along the walkways around the museum. Rain or shine. http://www.clevelandart.org/events/special-events/chalk-festival/about-chalk-festival Another week, another roundup of fun things going on around Ohio over the next few days. Got something you think the My Ohio Adventure crowd would enjoy? Send me the details and I will include it in the weekly roundup! There is always lots to do in the Buckeye State. Below is a small sample of the countless ways to spend the upcoming holiday weekend, and a few fun to dos next week. I'm going to compile one of these lists weekly. If you have something planned that you would like shared with the My Ohio Adventure crowd, shoot me an email ([email protected]) or a DM on instagram (@myohioadventure) with details and I would be happy to include it in the weekly roundup! I just need the information by Wednesday evenings.
And now, for Labor Day's to dos..... Thursday, September 3rd: Burton: What: Geauga County Fair Where: Geauga County Fairgrounds When: Thursday, September 3rd - Monday, September 7th Cost: $6 in advance, $8 at the gate, kids under 12 are free More Details: Tractor pulls, apple pies, chicken flying contests, fried foods... http://geaugafair.com/visitor_information.html Friday, September 4th: Columbus: What: Rhythm on the River presents The Steepwater Band and Angela Perley & the Howlin' Moons Where: Bicentennial Park When: 6:30pm - food and beverage sales begin; 7:00pm - music starts Cost: Free More Details: Bring a blanket and enjoy a free concert! Donatos and cold ones available for purchase. http://www.sciotomile.com/event-listing/rhythm-on-the-river-9-4-2015/ Saturday, September 5th: Cleveland: What: Cleveland National Air Show Where: Burke Lakefront Airport When: Starts Saturday at 10:00am, lasts through Monday. Cost: - Advance Adult: $21 ($23 at gate) - Advance Youth: $14 ($16 at gate) Ages 6-11 - Ages 5 and under free for General Admission only More Details: https://www.clevelandairshow.com Covington: What: Fort Rowdy Gathering Where: Covington Community Park When: Saturday - Monday Cost: Free More Details: The Fort Rowdy Gathering is the depiction of a late 1700/early 1800s trading village. You'll find homemade food, arts and crafts, authentic demonstrations, contests, games, entertainment and more. http://www.fortrowdy.org/index.html Harveysburg: What: The Ohio Renaissance Festival Where: Harveysburg When: Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday September 5th - October 25th, 10:30am - 6:00pm Cost: $18.95 adults, $8.95 kids (5-12), BOGO specials Labor Day weekend, price slightly higher at the gate and fees apply More Details: A 30-acre re-creation of a 16th century English Village. Food, drink, crafts, costumed characters, shows and more. http://www.renfestival.com/ Milan: What: Milan Melon Festival Where: Milan Village Square When: Saturday - Monday Cost: Free! More Details: A car show, a pizza eating contest, a 5-K race, a cornhole tournament, live music, WATERMELON SHERBERT, and so much more. http://milanmelonfestival.org/ Toledo (Grand Rapids): What: Volunteer Canal Boat Brunch Cruise Where: Providence Metropark When: 11:00am - 12:30pm Cost: $12 ($10 for members, Seniors 60+), $8 for children 3-12, kids 2 and under free More Details: A canal boat ride along the banks of the Miami and Erie Canal. A Metroparks Naturalist will guide the tour, explaining the changes taking place as the seasons change. A light brunch will be served. https://reservations.metroparkstoledo.com/programs/index.shtml?id=39100&sid=173474.307&uid= Tuesday, September 8th Columbus: What: Letters for Literacy Scrabble Tournament Fundraiser Where: Seventh Son Brewing When: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Cost: $25 entry per person More Details: Teams of 2 will compete through 5 rounds (with beer breaks!) for a grand prize of $200 and a trophy! Extra prizes will also be given to 2nd & 3rd place. If you don't want to compete, come hang out and cheer on your friends! Seventh Son will be slinging beers and Sophie's Gourmet Pierogis food truck will be on hand serving up delicious grubhttps://www.facebook.com/events/921959917866045/ Coming down the pipeline: Friday, September 11th Columbus: What: Dinner With Friends Where: Eagle Pavilion at Fryer Park in Grove City When: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Cost: Free to attend, but bring money for food :) More Details: Join @lunchwithgrandma for Dinner With Friends - grab a friend or loved one, and come enjoy good food from @dogpeoplecbus (who serve up bomb hot dogs and frites) and @rimetimepops (serving deliciously fancy popsicles), music, and fun things to do for the kids! See @lunchwithgrandma's instagram account for more details. Saturday, September 26th: Yellow Springs: What: My Ohio Adventure, 7thirty8 Apparel and Ohio Adventure Club meet up Where: John Bryan State Park When: 10:00am - 2:00pm Cost: Free! More Details: Meet us at 10am for a 4-5 mile hike (trail/distance TBD), followed by food and fun, and a chance to just hang. Further details to come, but we plan to meet around 10:00am, hike from approximately 10:30 - 12:00pm, eat and hang for a couple of hours, then ??? Yellow Springs is full of cool things to do (Young's Dairy, Yellow Springs Brewery, the Tecumseh Land Trust, etc), so want to give you time to explore the area after the group hang, if you choose. We'll be venturing out ourselves, so you can join us in whatever we decide to do, or do your own thing, up to you! So, pack a picnic, grab your friends, and head to Yellow Springs for an Ohio adventure - hope to see you there! https://www.facebook.com/events/852524948167827/ |
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