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Events in August 2025
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
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August 30, 2025
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages, including the new T. Rex (2 p.m.), an exploration of the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history that contains scenes of dinosaur violence. Also, Sea Monsters (noon) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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Group Runs: Ann Arbor Running Company (AARC)
Observer Editor
Every Sat., Mon., Tues., & Thurs. (different AARC locations). Runners of all abilities invited to join a beginner or advanced group run (Sat.), a 5K mapped route (Mon. & Thurs.), or an interval-based training run (Tues.). 7 a.m. (Sat.) & 6 p.m. (Tues.), AARC Downtown, 209 S. Ashley; 6 p.m. (Mon.), Corner Brewery, 720 Norris, Ypsilanti; & 6 p.m. (Thurs.), AARC Colonnade, 901 W. Eisenhower. Free. annarborrunningcompany.com.
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“Dexter/Chelsea Saturday Morning Breakfast Ride”: Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society
Observer Editor
Every Sat. Moderate-paced ride, 20 miles or more, to Dexter and beyond. Pack something to eat or stop in Dexter or Chelsea for coffee or breakfast. Note: Riders should be prepared to take care of themselves on all AABTS rides. Carry a water bottle, a spare tire or tube, a pump, a cell phone, and snacks. See aabts.org for weather cancellations or delays. 8 a.m. sharp, meet at Barton Nature Area parking lot, W. Huron River Dr. near Bird Rd. Free. [email protected], (734) 649–9762.
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parkrun USA
Observer Editor
Every Sat. All invited to join a timed but noncompetitive 5K run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South at the northeast corner of the soccer fields, 4365 Platt. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.us/lillie and arrive at 7:45 a.m. [email protected]. facebook.com/lillieparkrun.
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“Pop-Up Makerspace”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. All invited to drop in and try a hands-on engineering or garden design activity. 10 a.m.–noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom, (734) 995–9439.
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“Restoration Workday”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (formerly Washtenaw Audubon Society)
Observer Editor
All invited to help improve bird habitats by maintaining trails and clearing invasive shrubs at the WBNA Searles Nature Preserve. Wear long pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes; bring leather work gloves. Tools and know-how provided. 10 a.m.–noon., Searles Nature Preserve; park along Bolla Rd., ¼ mile west of Stony Creek Rd. Free. washtenawbna.org
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2025 Saline Community Fair
Observer Editor
Aug. 27–31. Old-fashioned community fair featuring agricultural and craft exhibits, carnival rides every day (open at 4 p.m. weekdays, 1 p.m. weekends), and a variety of special events, including a dog of the year contest (winners announced Aug. 29, 5:30 p.m.), touch a truck (Aug. 28, 10 a.m.), a talent show (Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m.), a rodeo (Aug. 29, 7 p.m.), the USA Auto Cross Championship Derby (Aug. 31, 7 p.m.), livestock shows and auctions, tractor and draft horse pulls, a reptile show, a euchre tournament, and more. Live music includes popular Michigan-based a cappella comedy & music quartet Three Men and a Tenor (Aug. 30, 6 p.m.), renowned touring student fiddle ensemble the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic (Aug. 30, 5 p.m.), and more TBA. For a complete schedule see salinefair.org/fair-dates. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., 10 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sun.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $5 (Wed.) & $10 (Thurs.–Sun.). Ride armbands $22–$25. (734) 649–7814.
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Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
Every Fri., Sat., & Wed. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.), & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. [email protected].
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Farmers Market Performances: Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Observer Editor
Aug. 16, 23, 27, & 30. Chamber music performances by small groups of A2SO musicians.
Saline Farmers Market (Aug. 16, 10–11:30 a.m.), 104 S. Ann Arbor St., #4, Saline.
Chelsea Farmers Market (Aug. 23 & 30, 10:45–11:15 a.m.), 304 S. Main St., Chelsea.
Dexter Farmers Market (Aug. 23, 10–11:30 a.m.), 3233 Alpine, Dexter.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Aug. 27, 10–11:30 a.m.), Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown.
Various times and locations. Free. a2so.org/farmers-markets. (734) 994–4801.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Sun. All age 6 and up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478.
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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. Conservancy staffers show off some desert animals (1 & 4 p.m.), including a kangaroo, a black-throated monitor, and a baby emu. Also, an animal keeper talk about the leopard tortoise (2 & 3 p.m.), and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. Noon–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only (no longer available online). (734) 929–9324. thecreatureconservancy.org.
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Arts & Crafts Supply Swap: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
A chance to pick up gently used art supplies the library has collected. Donations accepted before Aug. 8 at all AADL branches. Noon–2 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. lesliesnc.org, (734) 997–1553.
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John and Susanne Stephenson Sculpture Garden: Stephenson Ceramic Studio
Community Listing
The Sculpture Garden, Studio and Gallery featuring 2 guest artists; Katie Shulman and Dennis Nahabetian, welcomes visitors of all ages. Katie’s gestural, woven fiber installations and Dennis’s meticulously crafted metal sculptures have taken over the gallery. Over 50 sculptures are curated into the landscape for the summer months. Explore 60 years worth of innovative and cutting edge ceramics and sculpture. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 12-4 through October 25th. Group Tours available thru our website.
4380 Waters Road, Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] www.stephensonceramicstudio.com 7343951540.
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“Dixboro Summer Days”: Moonwinks Café and Tavern
Observer Editor
Kids activities, craft vendors, and live music. Today’s lineup: Rochelle Clark & Jason Dennie (1–2 p.m.), a Chelsea-based duo of Americana singer-songwriter Clark and acoustic fingerstyle guitarist & mandolinist Dennie. They play an eclectic brand of folk-based music in the tradition of John Fahey, Leo Kottke, and Michael Hedges. Mike Gentry (2:30–3:30 p.m.), a local folk-rock singer-songwriter whom longtime Guitar Player editor Jas Obrecht praises as “brilliant at coffeehouse-approved acoustic music, blistering hard rock, and most styles in between.” Roadside Silhouettes (4–5:30 p.m.), a soulful rock cover trio. The Stashes (6–7:30 p.m.), an ensemble led by versatile local rock & Americana singer-guitarist James Bourland. Jive Colossus (8–10 p.m.), a local 9-piece ensemble with a killer horn section that plays Afro-Caribbean, funk, rock, and blues dance music. “Trumpet, sax and trombone surge and sail over guitars, bass and drums to create music that is intent on movement, celebration and dance,” writes the Detroit News. 1–10 p.m., Moonwinks, 5151 Plymouth Rd. Free. moonwinksa2.com.
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“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to play this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld consoles or borrow one from the library. Prizes for top finishers. 1–3 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“My Neighbor Totoro”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every day. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Aug. 30 & Sept. 3: “My Neighbor Totoro” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1988). Studio Ghibli anime tale about 2 young girls who move to the Japanese countryside and befriend strange and delightful nature spirits. Japanese, subtitles. 1:30 p.m. (Sat.) & 7 p.m. (Wed.).
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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Sat. 30-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 1:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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“Almost, Maine”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan
Observer Editor
Aug. 28–30. Megan Wright-Jones directs local young actors in a middle-school version of John Cariani’s 2004 play, comprising 9 short vignettes that explore love and loss among the residents of a remote, mythical Maine town. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Tickets $15 in advance only at pytmi.square.site/home & at the door.
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“Pop-Up Makerspace”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. All invited to drop in and try a hands-on engineering or garden design activity. 10 a.m.–noon & 2–4 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom, (734) 995–9439.
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Drop-In Improv Games: Ypsi Improv
Observer Editor
Every Sat. All age 16 and up invited to learn about and participate in improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. No experience necessary. 2–4 p.m., Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Tickets $8–$10 (spectators, free) in advance via PayPal or Venmo linked from meetup.com/ypsi-improv or in cash at the door.
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“Lift Off: Student Showcase”: Aviary Aerial & Circus Arts
Observer Editor
Students and instructors from this local school showcase dance, pole dance, burlesque, aerial dance, and circus act routines. Parental discretion advised. Doors open at 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m., Aviary Studio, 2875 Boardwalk Dr., ste. A. Tickets $15 in advance at a2aviary.com/upcoming-shows. Preregistration required. [email protected].
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Scandinavian Music Workshop: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance.
Observer Editor
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“Bert and Trixie Visit the Vet”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., June 20–Aug. 31. Rhiannon Ragland directs the premiere of Michigan actor-playwright Matt Letscher’s comedy about 4 pets in a veterinarian’s waiting room who plan an escape when they begin to suspect one of them is in danger. Adult language and subject matter. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., Wed., & Thurs.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $45.15 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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German Park Picnic
Observer Editor
Old-fashioned German dinner served a la carte (approximately $10–$15) with wine, beer, pop, water, and coffee for sale. Kid-friendly options (hot dogs, hamburgers) also available. Dancing to German polkas and other European dance music by Tommy Schober & the Sound of Sorgenbrecher, a band known for its high-energy performances. 4–11 p.m. (no admission after 9 p.m.), German Park, 5549 Pontiac Tr. $10 cash only (children 12 and under, free). No one under 21 admitted without parent or legal guardian. germanpark.org, (734) 769–0048.
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Know Obstacles Open Mic & Comedy Hour: Oz’s Music Environment
Observer Editor
Performers of all abilities invited to play instruments, sing songs, and tell jokes with members of this band comprised of kids and adults with special needs. Hosted by Oz’s owner Steve Oz. Spectators welcome. 4–5 p.m., Oz’s Music Environment, 1922 Packard. Free; donations accepted. (734) 662–8283.
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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG). Mon. (6:30 p.m.): Just Another Modern Monday. Three rounds using powerful cards, for experienced players, with prizes. $10. Tues. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Pauper. A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5. Wed. (5 p.m.): Casual Commander. A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Wed. (6:30 p.m.): MTG Standard Showdown. Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): Friday Night Magic. Cost and format vary. Sat. (5 p.m.): Casual Commander Night. A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. sylvanfactory.com, (734) 929–5877.
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“Almost, Maine”: Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan
Observer Editor
Aug. 28–30. Megan Wright-Jones directs local young actors in a middle-school version of John Cariani’s 2004 play, comprising 9 short vignettes that explore love and loss among the residents of a remote, mythical Maine town. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Tickets $15 in advance only at pytmi.square.site/home & at the door.
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“Barbie”: State Theatre
Observer Editor
State Theatre. Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. (734) 668–8397. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Aug. 29, 30, 31 & Sept. 1: “Barbie” (Greta Gerwig, 2023). Fantasy comedy based on the iconic Mattel dolls in which Barbie, expelled from Barbieland for being less than perfect, sets off to find happiness in the real world. FREE for students with valid ID, but reservation required at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sun. & Mon.).
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“Casablanca”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Michigan Theater. Film screenings every day. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Aug. 29, 30, 31, & Sept. 1: “Casablanca” (Michael Curtiz, 1942). Annual return-to-school screening of this classic drama about a pair of star-crossed lovers in North Africa during WWII. Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman. FREE for students with valid ID, but reservation required at marquee-arts.org/calendar. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 1:30 p.m. (Sun. & Mon.).
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“Celebrity Babble On”: Rumpus Room
Observer Editor
Local stand-up comics Sara Young, Shelly Smit, Jason & Amanda Fylan, David Hayes, Finn St. John, and Catt Cohn read from an assortment of laugh-worthy celebrity autobiographies. 7 p.m., Rumpus Room, 506 N. Main, Chelsea. $10 in advance at rumpusroomvenue.com/event-details-registration/hollywood-comedy and (if available) at the door. (734) 616–6646.
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Calvon Brown: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Aug. 29 & 30. High-energy Detroit stand-up who delivers sarcastic celebrity impressions, one-liners and topical jokes about living in Detroit, dating, and getting older. Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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Saturday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Sat. Two shows by house teams of experienced improvisers. Improv Show (7:30–8:30 p.m.) features a rotating team each week, and a new House Team (8:30–10 p.m.) creates characters and a world in a location suggested by the audience. 7:30 & 8:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events or $18 (if available) at the door for one show. $20 ($25 at the door) for both shows. [email protected].
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Scandinavian Dance Music Concert: Ann Arbor Community of Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
Performance by the duo of world renowned Swedish fiddler Andrea Hoag and hardingfele (a Norwegian fiddle with several sympathetic strings) player Loretta Kelley, whose 2024 CD, Hambo in the Garden, rounds out their “Hambo Trilogy.” Earlier in the day (2:30–4:30 p.m.), the two lead a Scandinavian Fiddle Workshop at the same location ($15–$20 at the door). 7:30–9:30 p.m. Gretchen's House, 2240 Oak Valley, $20 cash, check, or Venmo at the door. (734) 330-1831.
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U-M Football vs. New Mexico
Observer Editor
Season opener. 7:30 p.m., Michigan Stadium. Sold out. mgoblue.com/sports/football, (734) 764–0247.
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“Bert and Trixie Visit the Vet”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sun., June 20–Aug. 31. Rhiannon Ragland directs the premiere of Michigan actor-playwright Matt Letscher’s comedy about 4 pets in a veterinarian’s waiting room who plan an escape when they begin to suspect one of them is in danger. Adult language and subject matter. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., Wed., & Thurs.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $45.15 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org and (734) 433–7673, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
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Saturday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Sat. Two shows by house teams of experienced improvisers. Improv Show (7:30–8:30 p.m.) features a rotating team each week, and a new House Team (8:30–10 p.m.) creates characters and a world in a location suggested by the audience. 7:30 & 8:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events or $18 (if available) at the door for one show. $20 ($25 at the door) for both shows. [email protected].
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“Pop-Up Comedy”: Don’t Tell Comedy Show
Observer Editor
Both the lineup of stand-up comics and the location are not revealed until the day of the show. Age 21 and up. Drinks for sale. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. 9 p.m., Ann Arbor Lowertown outdoor location. Tickets $27 in advance only at donttellcomedy.com/cities/ann-arbor.
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Calvon Brown: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Aug. 29 & 30. High-energy Detroit stand-up who delivers sarcastic celebrity impressions, one-liners and topical jokes about living in Detroit, dating, and getting older. Opening act TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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