Conch Republic Independence Celebration Schedule 2019
Festival Schedule of Events
FRI, APR 19th
CRIC 2019 SWAG & CR MILITARY COMMAND CENTER
9:30-11 AM OPENING BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS AT TWO FRIENDS
11:30-1 PM RAISING OF THE CR COLORS AT MALLORY SQUARE
7-10 PM ‘OFFICIAL’ KICK-OFF PARTY AT SCHOONER WHARF BAR
Stop by our “Pop Up” CRIC Swag Store & Command Center and get your CRIC schedule of events, load up on
Conch Republic Festival and Military Swag.
Get your Conch Republic Passport, CRIC Parade & Battle Bond and sign up for Conch Crawl.
[email protected] www.ConchRepublicDaysKeyWest.com
CRIC 2019 OPENING “BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS”
9:30-11:30 AM
Start your festival right off with the most important meal of the day at a popular local restaurant! Join members
of the CR High Command, Founding Fathers and other VIPs and Dignitaries for this scrumptious “Breakfast of
Champions.” hosted and sponsored by Two Friends Patio. Two Friends Patio Restaurant, 512 Front St. Old Town.
ORDER OFF MENU, CASH BAR. For more info, [email protected] or 305.296.3124 or
www.TwoFriendsPatio.com
CONCH REPUBLIC RAISING OF THE COLORS AT MALLORY SQUARE
NOON-1 PM
Signifying the Official Opening of CRIC 2019, this light-hearted, entertaining and jovial ceremony celebrates the
37th anniversary of our island nation’s independence. Sponsored by Key West Legal Rum Distillery, festivities
include Raising of the Colors, CR Pledge of Allegiance, CR Battle Hymn, Conch Shell-Horn Salute, and live music
by Conchelele Bob and CW Colt. Visit our CRIC Pop-Up Swag Store! Mallory Square, Old Town. FREE.
TALL SHIP SUNSET SAIL ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF
6:30-8:30 PM
Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure CR First Sea Lord, ADM
Finbar. WOLF docked at Safe Harbour Marina, 6810 Front St, Stock Island, Key West. Board 25 minutes prior to
departure. BYO food and drink. COST: $65 Adults and $30 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: 305 296 9653
(WOLF) or [email protected]. www.SchoonerWOLF.com
The “Official” 2019 CRIC KICK-OFF PARTY
7 PM – LATE
Dance the night away to the Last Mangoes Band, playing classic and current favorites with an “islandy” steel
drum twist. Founding CR Prime Minister, Dennis Wardlow will explain how our Sovereign State of Mind got its
start back in 1982. Hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, CRIC 2019 HQs, 202 William St, KW Historic Seaport
Harbor Walk, Old Town. FREE. www.SchoonerWharf.com
SAT, APR 20th
2nd Annual “GET BLOODY BEFORE THE BATTLE” HIGG’S BEACH CLEANUP
9:30 – 11:30 AM
The Conch Republic CIA (Cuties in Action) and 82nd Auborne have partnered with Keep Key West Beautiful to
eradicate cigarette butts and other debris from our shores. The joint task force officially launched “Operation:
Ain’t No Butts About it” campaign on Earth Day 2018.
Sponsored by Salute! On the Beach, the public is invited to join the cause and participate. “Weigh In”
competition follows clean-up at Salute! On the Beach, 1000 Atlantic Ave. FREE.
CONCH REPUBLIC ART & CRAFT FAIR ON DUVAL STREET
10 AM – 5 PM
Local artists and craftsmen offer unique handmade items you’ll treasure! Sponsored by the Key West Cultural
Preservation Society, funds raised from booth rentals contribute to scholarships for KWHS seniors, pursuing
college degrees in Art. Duval Street (between Greene & Eaton streets.) FREE.
CRIC 2019 SWAG & CR MILITARY COMMAND CENTER
10-5 PM CR ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW AT DUVAL & GREENE
11:30-1 PM RAISING OF THE CR COLORS AT MALLORY SQUARE
7-10 PM ‘OFFICIAL’ KICK-OFF PARTY AT SCHOONER WHARF BAR
Stop by our “Pop Up” CRIC Swag Store & Command Center and get your CRIC schedule of events, load up on
Conch Republic Festival and Military Swag. Get your Conch Republic Passport, CRIC Parade & Battle Bond and
sign up for Conch Crawl. [email protected] www.ConchRepublicDaysKeyWest.com
2nd Annual CONCH REPUBLIC BEACHCOMBER HAT CONTEST
11 AM – NOON Beach cleaning is thirsty business, and the Bloody Marys Happy Hour at Salute! On the Beach is
the perfect way to cool down.
Get your creative juices flowing and unwind with island tunes by Billy the Squid and the Sea Cow Drifters, while
recycling beach booty into a fabulous beach bonnet.
Best Hat wins a $50 gift certificate to Salute! Hosted by the CR CIA, 82nd Auborne and Salute! On the Beach.
1000 Atlantic Ave. FREE. CASH BAR. www.SALUTEontheBeach.com
CONCH CRAWL, RUM SALUTE, BAR & DISTILLERY STROLL
11 AM – 3 PM
Kicks off at the Key West Legal Rum Distillery’s tasting room, 105 Simonton St. (check in at 10 AM until 1 PM day
of Crawl) and includes stops at Tiki House, Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, Tattoos and Scars Saloon, Mary Ellen’s, General
Horseplay, Irish Kevin’s, Southernmost Beach Resort, Willie T’s and 801 Bourbon Bar, Bourbon St. Pub, Key West
Smugglers and The Oriele Club.
Sponsored by the Key West Legal Rum Distillery and Revolucion Tequila, ticket includes Conch Crawl tee-shirt
(while supply lasts) and a drink at each stop. Limited space available.
COST: $30 ADVANCE, $35 at the door. RSVP to [email protected] or in person at the CRIC
2019 COMMAND Center at Greene & Eaton. www.ConchRepublicDaysKeyWest.com
THE GREAT CONCH REPUBLIC DRAG RACES ON DUVAL
3 – 5 PM
Witness this “Only in Key West’ event! Sanctioned by the CR NHRA (or Natural Hot Rod Association), the 700 &
800 blocks of Duval heat up as the hottest drag queens in the and go heel to heel for a series of races and
obstacle courses that benefit Michael’s Foundation. Races run between Petronia and Angela streets. Hosted by
Bourbon St. Pub and WEOW 92.7FM Florida Keys “Today’s Hit Music.” Anyone in ladieswear and heels can enter.
Sponsored WEOW 92.7FM Florida Keys “Today’s Hit Music” and Revolucion Tequila. FREE ENTRY. *Sign up at
event only* www.ConchRepublicDaysKeyWest.com
The ROYAL FAMILY ELECTION & INVESTITURE PARTY
6 – 9 PM
Votes are $1 (vote early…vote often!) and 100% of proceeds benefits the CR Foster Childrens’ Fund for Wesley
House. Hosted by Southernmost House Hotel, 1400 Duval St. Sponsored by Revolucion Tequila. FREE. CASH
BAR. www.WesleyHouse.org to sign up or donate.
TALL SHIP SUNSET CRUISE ABOARD SCHOONER WOLF
6 – 8:30 PM
Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure CR First Sea Lord, ADM
Finbar. WOLF docked at Safe Harbour Marina, 6810 Front St, Stock Island, Key West. Board 25 minutes prior to
departure. BYO food and drink. COST: $65 Adults and $30 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: 305 296 9653
(WOLF) or [email protected]. www.SchoonerWOLF.com
420 AFTER BURNER PARTY
8 – 11 PM
Sponsored by Tattoos and Scars, drink specials include CBD infused cocktails. Enjoy movies including Cheech
and Chong and other 420 themed movies and music. Tattoos and Scars Saloon, 512 Greene St., Old Town.
TattoosAndScarsSaloon.com. FREE. CASH BAR.
CONCH REPUBLIC RUNWAY COMPETITION
8 PM
Strut, Prance, Twirl and Vogue your way down the runway to some fabulous prizes. Presented by Queen
Mother XXXV Jessica Deveraux and DJ Kyd, this LGBTQ is for Everyone in the spirit of One Human Family.
Mangoes, 700 Duval St. For more info, [email protected].
SUN, APR 21st
TALL SHIP SUNSET CRUISE ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Take a step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure CR First Sea Lord, ADM
Finbar. WOLF docked at Safe Harbour Marina, 6810 Front St, Stock Island, Key West. Board 25 minutes prior to
departure. BYO food and drink. COST: $65 Adults and $30 Kids under 12. Tickets and info: 305 296 9653
(WOLF) or [email protected]. www.SchoonerWOLF.com
CR MUSIC PARTY WITH CW COLT AT SMOKIN TUNA SALOON
5:30-8 PM
Join the Conch Republic’s Sir CW Colt (5-8:30 PM) and Andy Wescott & Friends (9 PM-1 AM) for live
music and great food and drink! Cash Bar. Order Off Menu.Hosted by Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles
St., Old Town. SmokinTunaSaloon.com.
MON, APR 22nd
CONCH REPUBLIC DOG FEST
2 – 6PM
Bring your furababies and toast the Independence of the Conch Republic and Earth Day and raise money for the
Luci’s Fund. Pet costume contest with awards for Best Dressed and the Pet Owner Challenge. Featuring an artist
to paint your pet’s portrait and a photo booth for you and you’re your pets. Sponsored by Pirate Radio 96.7 FM
and 101.7 FM. Hank’s Hair of the Dog, 409 Caroline St. CASH BAR.
DRUNKIN’ SPELLING BEE
8-PM
Mary Ellen’s Comedy Key West presents the Drunkin’ Spellinging Bee. No cover. Mary Ellen’s 420 Applerouth
Lane, Old Town. www.MaryEllensBar.com
TUES, APR 23rd
CONCH REPUBLIC INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMONY & FLAG RAISING
5 – 6 PM
The 23rd of APRIL, the Conch Republic’s own 4th of July, Bastille Day & Cinco de Mayo all rolled into one is
celebrated with a CR Flag Raising, Conch Republic Pledge of Allegiance, Battle Hymn of the Conch Republic,
Conch Shell-Horn Salute, Proclamations (by founding Prime Minister Dennis Wardlow and Prime Minister, Key
West Mayor Teri Johnston.
Live entertainment by Conchalele Bob, Hash House Harriers and CW Colt at Old Town KWFD Firehouse,
Simonton & Angela. Sponsored by KW Legal Rum Distillery. FREE.
CONCH REPUBLIC HASH HOUSE HARRIERS FUN WALK / RUN
6 – 8PM
The Conch Republic Hash House Harriers invites one and all to don their pirate tutus for this FUN WALK/RUN
(also known as Exercise for Beer!) Onsite registration begins at 5:30pm at the Key West Firehouse in Old Town
KW Flagpole Plaza, corner of Simonton and Angela streets.
COST: $10 (FREE for 1st timers!) For more info, please contact: [email protected]
CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY MUSTER & CONCH-TAIL PARTY
6 – 8PM
The Conch Republic Military Needs You! It’s your chance to join ADM Finbar, First Sealord and all the Conch
Republic Military Brass to honor our Republic’s Military Forces as they prepare for battle in commemoration of
the 37th Anniversary of the Secession.
Sign up to serve the Republic, purchase official gear, sip some Truth Serum, and bend elbows with Ambassadors
and Dignitaries of the Republic. The CIA-Sshhh! & 82nd Auborne will be aiding and abetting on behalf of the
Wesley House Conch Republic Foster Children’s Fund by serving C-Rations to benefit the cause.
Mess Hall. Buffet. Entertainment provided by Conchalele Bob, CW Colt and Hash House Harriers. 50/50 Raffle.
Sponsored by The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St.
GEN ADM: $15. Military in Uniform: $10. Diplomatic Immunity: $50 (includes early entry, Diplomatic sash,
reserved seating & other Consular perks.) CASH BAR. For more info: Email [email protected]
“GREAT BATTLE OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC” RE-ENACTMENT CAPTAINS’ MEETING
9 – 10 PM
This is a MANDATORY captains’ meeting for the annual re-enactment of the Conch Republic’s Great Sea Battle in
Key West Harbor. If you want your vessel to participate in the battle, you MUST attend. No exceptions.
Vessels not registered will not be allowed to participate. Special flags issued to participating vessels are
required to be flown during battle. Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, CRIC 2019 HQs, 202 William St., Historic
Seaport Harbor Walk. MANDATORY for Great Battle participants.
WED, APRIL 24th
HOT HAVANA NIGHT PARTY OF THE YEAR! HOT! HOT! HOT!
7-11 PM
Cuba and the Conch Republic join forces on the dance floor. Dance the night away to Music by Miami’s “Mojito
Hot Salsa Band”. Savor a waterfront sunset dinner & Rum tasting. Compete for Cuban treasures at the silent
auction! Win a weekend in Havana for two!
Sponsored by Pilar Rum and Turtle Kraals, proceeds benefit TREE Institute International non- profit organization.
Turtle Kraals Bar & Restaurant, 231 Margaret St, Historic Seaport Harbor Walk.
COST: ADVANCE Tickets: KeysTix.com. Dinner, dance and rum tasting: $50.00. Dance Party only $25.00.
TICKETS AT THE DOOR: Dinner, dance and rum tasting: $60.00. Dance party only: $30.00 www.TreeInstitute.org
THUR, APR 25th
CRIC 2019 SWAG & CR MILITARY COMMAND CENTER
5 – 7:30 PM
Sign up to join the parade, pick up your CRIC schedule of events and load up on Conch Republic Festival and
Military Swag. Get your Conch Republic Passport, CRIC Parade & Battle Bond and sign up for Conch Crawl.
Duval and South streets, Old Town. [email protected].
2nd ANNUAL “WORLD’S LONGEST PARADE” PRE-PARTY
6 – 7:30 PM
The “World’s Longest Parade” festivities kick-off at the Southernmost House Hotel, with a Raising of the Colors
Flag Ceremony, Conch Shell-Horn Salute, Entertainment by Conchalele Bob and CW Colt, CR Hash House
Harriers, and celebratory libations with a spectacular ocean view. Sponsored by Revolucion Tequila,
Southernmost House, 1400 Duval St., FREE. CASH BAR.
7th Annual ‘THE DUVAL ST MILE’
7 PM
Stride Paradise from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico by running the length of the most famous street in
Key West and the Florida Keys – Duval Street! Presented by Local Awards & Engraving. RACE DAY
REGISTRATION: 5-7 PM at Southernmost House, 1400 Duval St, Old Town.
COST: $25 Adult, $18 HS Student (14-18) and $12 for 13 and Under. For more info and online sign-up, go to
www.DuvalStreetMile.com. Questions: e-mail [email protected].
THE CONCH REPUBLIC’S “WORLD LOOOOOOONGEST PARADE”
8 PM
Presented by Florida Keys Media’s WUUS US 1 Radio, 104.1FM, this world-famous parade celebrates Conch
Republic Independence and runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Route travels down Duval St.
from United St., turns right on Greene St.
Best viewing on Duval and Greene streets. FREE. Want to participate in the parade? FREE SIGN UP ONLINE.
[email protected].
“WORLD’S LONGEST PARADE” AFTER-PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY
9 PM – LATE
Grab yer mate for in the “World’s Longest Parade” After-Party, immediately following the parade. Parade prizes
will be awarded for Best “Conch-cept”, Most Original, and Most Creative parade entries. Dance to favorite
classics, funk, Motown, reggae and island tunes by the Cool Coconuts Band and mingle with CR High Command
and VIPS.
**Don yer pirate garb or favorite Schooner Wharf Bar shirt and meet us on the corner of South and at 7:45 PM
and join our float! Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, CRIC 2019 HQs, 202 William St., KW Historic Seaport Harbor
Walk, Old Town. www.SchoonerWharf.com
FRI, APR 26th
CRIC 2019 & CR MILITARY COMMAND CENTER
6 – 8 PM MALLORY SQUARE
8 – 10 PM SCHOONER WHARF BAR
Sign up to join the parade, pick up your CRIC schedule of events and load up on Conch Republic Festival and
Military Swag.
Get your Conch Republic Passport, CRIC Parade & Battle Bond and sign up for Conch Crawl.
[email protected] www.ConchRepublicDaysKeyWest.com
“GREAT BATTLE OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC” NON-COMBATIVE SHORE PARTY
6 – 8 PM
Mallory Square is Command Central for CR Military Land Forces and you’re invited to join the Non-Combative
Shore Party, that immediately follows the CR Naval Parade.
Witness the spectacle of our island nation’s most famous “Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic”, re-enacted
each year in Key West Harbor to commemorate the secession and founding of the Conch Republic.
THE Signature event of CRIC 2019, this large scale, hilarious harbor battle pits the Conch Republic’s Air Force,
Army and Navy, along with CR Privateer of all shapes and sizes against non-other than a United States
Coast Guard Cutter, representing the USCG Cutter Diligence, attacked on April 23, 1982 by the Schooner
Western Union. For ‘non-combatives’ and landlubbers), there’s great viewing all along Key West Harbor, from
Margaritaville Resort to Mallory Square. FREE.
CR NAVAL PARADE IN KEY WEST HARBOR
7 PM
Watch the majestic schooners and other privateers of the Conch Republic Navy sail past Mallory Square. Cheer
them on, as they ready themselves for the Re-enactment of the Conch Republic Great Sea Battle.
GREAT BATTLE OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC RE-ENACTMENT
7:10 PM
Cheer on the First Sea Lord, Supreme Commander, AD
M Finbar and his High Command aboard the CR Flagship
WOLF, the CR Air Force, CR Army and Privateers of all shapes and sizes, for this breathtaking “battle” against the
“Evil Border Patrol” – portrayed by a USCG Cutter, in and above the waters of Key West Harbor.
Even civilians in a southernmost state of mind, join this zany, sometimes soggy, but always hilarious, reenactment
– a beloved Conch Republic tradition. In and alongside Key West Harbor, between Mallory and
Margaritaville Resort. FREE.
GREAT SEA BATTLE SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY
9 PM
The post “Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic” kicks-off at 7pm at Schooner Wharf, The Official Headquarters
of the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. A Tongue-in-Cheek Surrender Ceremony of the United States
Coast Guard to the CR Armed Forces – “A Farce to be Reckoned With, Who Defend the Republic from Key to
Shining Key” – takes place at 9 PM.
The energetic and electric Fuel on Fire Band will be playing country, current and classic favorites with original
songs from 7:00 p.m. until Midnight. Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, CRIC 2019 HQs, 202 William St., KW Historic
Seaport Harbor Walk, Old Town. www.SchoonerWharf.com
SAT, APR 27th
CRIC 2019 SWAG & MILITARY COMMAND CENTER
11 – 3PM CONCH CRAWL ATKEY WEST LEGAL RUM DISTILLERY
6 – 10 PM PIRATE BALL AT SCHOONER WHARF
Sign up for the Conch Crawl, pick up your CRIC schedule of events and load up on Conch Republic Festival and
Military Swag. Get your Conch Republic Passport and CRIC Parade & Battle Bond. and sign up for Conch Crawl.
[email protected] www.ConchRepublicDaysKeyWest.com
CONCH CRAWL II, RUM SALUTE, BAR & DISTILLERY STROLL
11 AM – 3 PM
Sponsored by the Key West Legal Rum Distillery and Revolucion Tequila, ticket includes Conch Crawl tee-shirt
(while the supply lasts@) and a drink at each stop. Limited space available.
COST: $30 ADVANCE, $35 AT DOOR. RSVP to [email protected] or in register person at
Key West Legal Rum Distillery, 105 Simonton St. www.KeyWestLegalRum.com
ARTIST, ADMIRAL & AMBASSADOR MEET & GREET AT CUSTOMS HOUSE
2:30-4:30 PM
Join Maritime Artist and Historian, Paul Arsenault, the CR’s First Sea Lord, ADM Finbar Gittelman and CR
Ambassador to the UN, Dr. Dave Randle, at the Customs House Museum for sea stories and tall tales of Key
West in the 1970s and 1980s.
Arsenault’s The Coastal Trade: Bounty, Booty and Boats, represents the pioneer days of southwest Florida’s
maritime trading networks. Customs House, 281 Front St., Old Town Key West. COST: FREE with Museum
Entrance. www.KWAHS.org.
TALL SHIP SUNSET CRUISE ABOARD CR FLAGSHIP WOLF
6 – 8:30 PM
Step back in time and relive the glorious age of sail and seafaring adventure. WOLF docked at Safe Harbour
Marina, 6810 Front St, Stock Island. Board 25 minutes prior. BYO food and drink. COST: $65 Adults and $30 Kids
under 12. Tickets and info: 305 296 9653 (WOLF) or [email protected].
CONCH REPUBLIC CUP (CRC2019) CAPTAINS’ MEETING
6 PM
Captains’ meeting for the Conch Republic Cup, departing on April 28th from Key West Harbor. All skippers are
required to be present. No exceptions. Vessels not registered will not be allowed to participate. Schooner
Wharf Bar, 202 William St. For Info: [email protected] or visit www.ConchRepublicCup.org.
MANDATORY for all CRC2019 participants.
WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES CAPTAINS’ MEETING
7 PM
Captains’ meeting for the final race (4/28) in the 2019 Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup Race Series, recalling
the tradition of the wreckers in the Key West of the 1800’s. Captains meet in Sail Loft and enjoy complimentary
Pusser’s Rum Punch and hors d’oeuvres from the Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, HQ’s of CRIC. 202 William St.,
KW Historic Seaport Harbor Walk, Old Town. www.SchoonerWharf.com
PIRATE’S BALL & COSTUME CONTEST
7 PM
Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum —It’s a pirate’s life for you at Schooner Wharf! Witness the swashbuckling sword
play and sea shanties of Key West’s own Conch Republic Privateers. Compete in our Piratical Costume
Competition, with great grog, grub & booty for Best Buccaneer, Best Wench, Best Bustier & Cutthroat Surprise.
The Last Mangoes Band playing classic and current favorites with an” islandy” steel drum twist will get up
everyone up dancin’ and groovin’, Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William St., www.SchoonerWharf.com.
SUN, APR 28th
WRECKERS RACE SERIES CUP RACE TO SAND KEY LIGHTHOUSE
1-4 PM
Race to Sand Key Lighthouse with the Schooner Wharf Wreckers Fleet…or enter your own vessel! Enjoy a enjoy a
delightful afternoon at sea on the waters off Key West. Final race in the 2019 Schooner Wharf Bar Wrecker’s Cup
Race Series, this all-in-fun race series recalls the tradition of the wreckers in Key West during the 1800’s. Best
viewing for Race Start is at Mallory Square, Old TownRace Info: www.SchoonerWharf.com.
CONCH REPUBLIC CUP RACE TO CUBA START TIME
1 PM Promoting Cultural Exchange through Sport, Conch Republic Cup Key West Cuba Race Week participants
gather in KW Harbor with Wreckers Race fleet and continue to sail onto to Cuba for the 500th anniversary of La
Habana, including a Parade of Sail in Havana Harbor on May 4th. Best shore viewing, Mallory Square and Fort
Zachary Taylor. For Info contact [email protected] or visit www.ConchRepublicCup.org.
WRECKERS RACE SERIES CUP “AFTER PARTY”
7 PM
Racers view video of the race while enjoying a BBQ dinner and getting their Caribbean on, dancing to the island
rhythms of the Cayo Ritmo Duo. Prizes are given to the first-place finishers in each of six classes: Schooner,
Classic, Multihull, Monohull (29′ and Under, 30′-40′ and 40′ and Over.) Additional classes may be added,
depending on the number of entries. Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William St. www.SchoonerWharf.com.
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