It's finally fall in Minnesota, and I am firmly on team 'Fall is the best season' -- you can't convince me otherwise! Let this be your ultimate guide to Twin Cities pet events this fall to truly get the most out of the crisp air, autumn leaves, pumpkin-flavored everything, and so much more! From September to November, there's something for you and your pup to enjoy this fall.
The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Fall
Categories:
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals
Dog Sports & Activities
Pet-Focused Events:
Saturday, September 7 - Sunday, September 8, 2024
Panoway on Wayzata Bay Plaza, Wayzata, MN
Organized by: James J. Hill Days
"The Dachshund Races are BACK! Join us on Saturday, September 7th from 12:00 - 2:00 pm to see three comPETitive events including Sprints, Hurdles, and a Costume Contest. The cost for entry for each event is $25. Have a little pup looking to compete? Looking for a great way to burn off some energy and have fun with your pup? Join the Doggy Olympics on Sunday, September 8th from 11:00 - 2:00 pm. Take on the challenge of the Wine Glass Walk, the ever-popular Musical Beach Chairs game, and the ultimate test of focus: our Longest Sit-Stay contest. Compete for fabulous prizes!"
Saturday, September 7 - Sunday, September 8, 2024
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Shakopee, MN
Organized by: The Minnesota Renaissance Festival
"Enjoy your favorite fido friend at the Woofstock weekend. It will be a pooch pal party with contests, races, treats, and more! Experience a Howlin’ Hurrah!"
Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 11 am - 3 pm
Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: Grand Avenue Business Association
"Enjoy all Grand Avenue has to offer...with your dog! No dog? No problem. PAWS on Grand partners with dozens of pet rescue organizations so you can adopt a range of pets. You can also shop our pet marketplace, get pet portraits, and cheer on the wiener dog races."
Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 5 - 7 pm
Brookside Bar & Grill, Marine on St. Croix, MN
Organized by: Brookside Bar & Grill
"Bring your furry friends for a paws-itively fun time - it's a happy hour for dogs and their people!
Enjoy Tito’s cocktails and Leinenkugel’s specials, plus fun treats for the pups on the patio! You may make another four-legged friend! See you and your pup there!"
Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10 am to 1:30 pm
Riverview Park, Coon Rapids, MN
Organized by: City of Coon Rapids Recreation Division
"This is an annual event featuring fur-tastic events such as a pet/owner costume contest, kids games and more! Event goers browse dozens of vendor booths offering pet-related products, services and resources. There's even a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest to show off your creativity! Demonstrations, entertainment and more! Come to the pet fair with your well-behaved, leashed furry friend and have a great time meeting other pet owners!"
Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2024
Pinehaven Farm, Wyoming, MN
Organized by: Pinehaven Farm
"For one weekend only, bring your family and your beloved pet dog to the farm! Leashed and friendly dogs are welcome. This 2-day event will have all of our Fall Festival attractions, PLUS activities for your pups! Take photos at the many photo op locations around the farm, shop our dog-related crafters and vendors, take a Trolley Ride to the Pumpkin Patch, and so much more!"
Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 3 - 7 pm
Unleashed Hounds & Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Unleashed Hounds & Hops
"Join us for our first ever LollaPAWlooza (think farmers market for pets)! From 3 pm to 7 pm, we will have a wonderful fall evening of fun food and pets! This will be an ON LEASH event as we will have our entire patio fence open to all for more booths and vendors along our patio."
Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 11 am - 3 pm
Inbound BrewCo, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Inbound BrewCo
"You and your pup wait all year for Barktoberfest and the wait is almost over… Barktoberfest has everything you need for a dog-gone good day: a doggie costume contest with prizes for the best three costumes, a fall-themed photo booth, live music to get you in the Barktoberfest spirit, and a local vendor market! The best part is that Barktoberfest is free to attend!"
Friday, October 11, 2024, from 4 pm - 10 pm
St. Paul Brewing, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: St. Paul Brewing
Open for humans and furry friends to drink a beer (doggos can drink one even if they're not of age!) Snack on some tasty treats, and even win an exclusive prize in our Costume Competition. (Yes, the humans can participate too!) Bring your dogs, friends, and whoever else wants to be around snuggles and cuddles. We'll have dog beer, dog treats, bandanas, and so much more! All we need is the happy tail friends. Stay tuned for more details and how your dog can enter and win the costume competition!
Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 1 - 5 pm
The Commons, 425 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Minneapolis Downtown Parks
"Calling all pet parents and animal lovers! Event Highlights: pet-themed market, Halloween costume contest, outdoor screening of Frankenweenie at 6:30 pm. Bring your pets, dress them up in their best costumes, and enjoy a day of shopping, contests, and community! Whether you're looking for treats, toys, or just some fun in the sun, PAWS in the Park has something for everyone."
Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 12 pm - 3 pm
Wolfe Park, St. Louis Park, MN
Organized by: Discover St. Louis Park
"Bring your furry friends and best costumes to Wolfe Park for HOWL-O-WEEN. Visitors can stroll through the park with their pets, meet different vendors, and do a little shopping. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a costume contest for all pets with fantastic prizes. The event is for all ages and is free to attend. Vendors include: Bone Marché, Bubbly Paws, Can Do Canines, Chuck & Don’s, FunDog Bandanas, Pampered Pooch, Sweetie-Pie Collars."
Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 3 - 7 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
"Fall has arrived, and that means it's time for WSC's annual Oktoberfest celebration! Join us to see the wolves against the backdrop of falling leaves, try your hand at Hammerschlagen, challenge your friends to a game of corn hole, sip brews from Bent Brewstillery while munching on the irresistible eats from Mamas Taco Truck. We are excited to have The Workin’ Dogs Band Join us! The bears will still be awake, so don't miss a chance to see our chunky bruins before they hit the sack for winter. Remember to bring your dog(s) and a friend or two and come on out for the fun!"
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 12 - 2 pm
Alimagnet Park, Burnsville, MN
Organized by: City of Burnsville
"Bring on fall with pumpkins and puppy costumes! In partnership with People of Alimagnet Caring for K9s (PACK), this event will include a puppy parade through a Haunted Forest, a “Trick for Treats” station, pet-themed vendors, food trucks and a costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed in multiple categories for both dogs and humans."
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 11 am - 4 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Organized by: Wildlife Science Center
"It's that time of year again when ghosts visit the wolves at the Wildlife Science Center! Join us for our annual Howl-O-Ween celebration! Come in costume to trick the animals! We also encourage grown-ups to dress up and bring the family dog(s) in costume too! Kids can paint pumpkins, collect candy, and take part in a scavenger hunt, all while being surrounded by cougars and bears and wolves--OH MY! We are so excited to have KMC Eggrolls providing food! All proceeds benefit the Wildlife Science Center."
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 5 - 8 pm
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative & Pet Central Animal Hospital
"Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative and Pet Central Animal Hospital are teaming up for our 2nd Annual Dog & Owner Costume Contest! Sign-up starts at 5 pm and judging begins at 6:30 pm. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Both you and your dog must be in costume to participate!"
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 5 - 8 pm
Brew Park Plymouth, Plymouth, MN
Organized by: Brew Park Plymouth
"It's that time of year again – the most enjoyable night of the year! Our Halloween Doggy Costume Contest is back! We know you've been eyeing those doggy costumes at Target, thinking, "I love this, but when will I ever use it?" Well, now is your chance! Your pup not only gets to strut around the park in their costume but also has the opportunity to win various prizes. These fantastic prizes are up for grabs for the first, second, and third place winners: an annual membership, a free doggy birthday party, and a special Brew Park gift basket!"
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 12 - 6 pm
Bent Brewstillery, Roseville, MN
Organized by: Bent Brewstillery
Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 12 - 5 pm
Paws Abilities Dog Training, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Organized by: Paws Abilities Dog Training
"Buy and sell gear for your pets! The event will be from 1 - 4 pm. Set-up begins at noon. All sellers must be fully set up by 12:45 pm. Clean-up promptly at 4 pm. Any unclaimed items at 5 pm will be donated to our rescue partners. You will be responsible for pricing your own items. Paws Abilities charges 10% of item sales for hosting if you're a dog nerd (5% covers credit card/point-of-sale costs, 5% for overhead) and 20% if you're a small business. This means that you will receive 80-90% of your total sales back. Individuals: You will be assigned a unique seller code to include on price stickers for all of your items. Businesses: You will need to provide your own table, but will still label your items with a unique seller code."
Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 6 - 7:30 pm
Wild Minds Ales, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Dachshund Social Club
"As someone who’s always searching for a good weenie meet-up and coming up empty, I figured, why not start my own? Enter “Weenie Wednesday”—the ultimate hangout for dachshunds and their humans! Bring your long-bodied bestie to the brewery for a night of fun, tail wags, and socializing. Whether you’re a seasoned dachshund aficionado or just a lover of those little hot dogs with legs, make your weeknight plans a little more exciting. Let’s get together and make memories with our favorite furry friends!"
Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 12 - 2 pm & 6 - 8 pm
Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, NE Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative
"Santa PAWS is coming to Broken Clock! 'Tis the season for festive fun with your furry friends! Santa is pulling double duty this year to make sure all the good dogs (and their owners) get a chance to visit. Bring your pets for FREE photos with Santa! This event is open to the public, so come on by, snap some pics, and enjoy the holiday vibes! While you're here, grab a beer, coffee, or some tasty food to complete the experience. We can't wait to see you and your festive furballs!"
Saturday, November 23 - Sunday, November 24, 2024
Canterbury Downs, Shakopee, MN
Organized by: Minneapolis Kennel Club
"Annually, the Minneapolis Kennel Club sponsors an all-breed dog show. The all-breed show is a two-day event generally held in November. It attracts over 1200 dogs in all-breed conformation competition and junior showmanship. Participating dogs come from all AKC-recognized groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, herding, and miscellaneous."
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Lost in the Forrest, St. Louis Park, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography & Lost in the Forrest
"Capture your furry friend's personality with Pet Photography Mini Sessions by K Schulz Photography. In just 10 minutes, our talented photographer will produce a collection of high-quality images. Included in the mini session are your choice of two of the digital images, with the option to purchase more. Head to LITF and arrive 5-10 minutes early to ensure a perfect session."
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 6:30 - 8 pm
Southdale Center, Edina, MN
Organized by: Southdale Center
"Don't miss Santa pictures at Southdale Center! Walk-ups are welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time."
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 1 - 5 pm
HeadFlyer Brewing, Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: HeadFlyer Brewing
"Join us for one of our favorite and longest-standing annual holiday traditions, Pet Photos with Santa on December 1st 2024 from 1 pm - 5 pm! Pet photos are free, but we will be collecting donations for Ruff Start Rescue a foster-based animal rescue. We'll also have a few pop-up shops and brand new holiday-themed beer releases!"
Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 7 - 9 pm
Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Organized by: The Santa Experience MN
"Bring your pet to Mall of America to have their photo taken with Santa! Appointment required. Pets of all kinds and their families are welcome to take part in this photo opportunity with Santa."
Monday, December 2, 2024
Eden Prairie Center, Eden Prairie, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Monday, December 2, 2024
Rosedale Center, Roseville, MN
Organized by: VIP Holiday Photos
"Pet photos with Santa are back! Fur babies are family too and these photos are an adorable memento for you to share."
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pet Crossing Animal Hospital, Bloomington, MN
Organized by: K Schulz Photography & Pet Crossing Animal Hospital
"The holidays are fast approaching and it's the perfect time to create memories! On Sunday, December 8th, Pet Crossing will have K Schultz Photography on-site, ready to capture the perfect holiday pictures! Let us help make this holiday season paws-itively unforgettable!"
Pet-Friendly Art Fairs & Festivals:
August 17th - September 29th, 2024 from 9 am - 7 pm, Rain or Shine
Open weekends (Sat. & Sun.) plus Labor Day, September 2nd & Festival Friday, September 27th, 2024
Shakopee, MN
Admission: Varies
"Bring Your Dog – The Festival Is Dog Friendly! No other pets will be allowed on Festival grounds. There is a Dog Gate at both King’s and Queen’s Gate entrances."
Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Kordiak Park, Columbia Heights, MN
Organized by: HeightsNext
"Celebrate the spooky season with your furry friend at this Halloween event! There will be a Jack-O'-Lantern Parade, a fall selfie station, s'mores, and hot apple cider. Both people and pets are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes to take a stroll through the park! Leashed pups are welcome."
Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 1 - 3 pm
Back Channel Brewing, Spring Park, MN
Organized by: Back Channel Brewing & Minnesota My Home Real Estate
"We are so excited to celebrate our FIFTH annual Trunk-or-Treat spooktacular event at Back Channel! Suit up in your costumes and grab a bag for ALL your treats – this family-friendly event is going to be freaky fun! Trunk or treat is on rain, snow, or FINGERS CROSSED sunshine! Dress appropriately. Well-behaved dogs (on leashes) are welcome, and pup costumes are encouraged. Event volunteers will be directing traffic for parking and assisting with questions throughout the event."
Pet-Related Benefit Events:
Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 12 - 3 pm
Surly Brewing Company, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Pet Haven MN
Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 11:30 am - 4 pm
White Bear Beach, White Bear Lake, MN
Benefitting: Home For Life Animal Sanctuary
Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 am - 1:30 pm
Can Do Canines Facility, New Hope, MN
Benefitting: Can Do Canines
"Bring your friends (the furry ones too!) and help us celebrate the amazing partnerships of assistance dogs and the people who need them. This outdoor, family-fun event includes a one-mile fundraising walk, live music, a dog costume contest, an assistance dog demonstration, dog-centric vendors, and more. The event is held rain or shine at Can Do Canines facility in New Hope, MN."
Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Lent Town Hall, Lent, MN
Benefitting: Northwoods Humane Society
"Walk With The Animals is celebrating its 26th year! We hope that you'll help us raise funds to care for homeless animals in our community. Join us for lots of fun activities including a 1.5 mile walk, bake sale, silent auction, lunch options, microchipping and nail trims, 50/50 raffle, dog activity zone, face painting, and pet supplies and Northwoods gear for sale. Fundraise for Northwoods and earn prizes!"
Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 9 am - 2 pm
Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN
Benefitting: Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM)
"Join us Sunday, September 15, 2024, for Goldzilla, RAGOM’s annual Fun Fair and Walk for Rescue—and one of the biggest Golden Retriever events in America! All money raised supports our mission of rescuing and rehoming Golden Retrievers and Golden mixes of all ages. A good cause. A great day. Goldzilla—it’s GIGANTIC!"
Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Crazy Legs Farm & Pumpkins, Farmington, MN
Benefitting: Rescue Network
"Join us for our third annual Fall Pet Photo Fundraiser at Crazy Legs Farm & Pumpkins with K Schulz Photography! Bring your dogs and your family for a fun fall photo shoot where proceeds go to Rescue Network! A $25 donation via card, cash, Venmo, or PayPal will get you one digital with additional digital and physical prints that can be purchased through the online gallery starting at $10 each. All photos will be uploaded to a portal that you will have access to via email and it will be posted in the event page in order to download your digital photo. We will have a fun fall-themed photo spot with pumpkins and more! Stay tuned for updates!"
Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 8 am - 1 pm
Sturges Park, Buffalo, MN
Benefitting: Crossroads Animal Shelter and Community Veterinary Clinic
"Mark your calendars for Steps for Pets! This dog-friendly event will be held from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on September 28, 2024, at Sturges Park in Buffalo, MN, US. Admission benefits Crossroads Animal Shelter and Community Veterinary Clinic."
Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Lakefront Park, Prior Lake, MN
Benefitting: Adopt a Husky Minnesota
"Our Annual Fundraising event and an opportunity for us to thank all of our adopters and supporters with a dog-friendly filled day! We start our day with a hike around beautiful Lakefront Park in Prior Lake, MN. After the hike attendees are free to check out our silent auction, raffle items, and tons of vendors! We also provide lunch for registered participants. Our day wraps up with prizes for those who raised the most and awards for a few of our outstanding volunteers!"
Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 11 am - 4 pm
Wildlife Science Center, Stacy, MN
Benefitting: Wildlife Science Center
"Join us for this unique annual event featuring autumn family fun among the wolves, raptors, bears, cougars, and other resident wild animals. Enjoy educational demonstrations, shop with local artisans and vendors selling their wares, and get a great meal from PJ’s Grill food truck! Bent Brewstillery will be on-site providing adult beverages. Presentations include Remarkable Reptiles, Working Dog Pack, and Raptors of the Great Lakes Region. Dogs on a leash are welcome. All event proceeds benefit the Wildlife Science Center. Have fun and help fundraise for a great cause!"
Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Webber Park, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: My Pit Bull Is Family
"When you register for Pets on the Parkway and raise funds to support keeping people and pets together, your contributions support programs like our North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center, Mobile Pet Resource Center, Community Pet Clinics, and more!"
Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 12 pm - 4 pm
Fat Pants Brewing, Eden Prairie, MN
Benefitting: Underdog Rescue MN
"Join us for Biscuits & Brews, our annual fundraiser. Come and meet adoptable dogs at the adoption. This event will be outdoors."
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 2 - 8 pm
Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Join us at Forgotten Star Brewing for a spooktacular Halloween bash like no other! We’ve teamed up with Ruff Start Rescue to host the ultimate costume party featuring both human and canine competitors. Whether your costume is spooky, silly, or super creative, come show it off to win some amazing prizes! Dog Costume Contest: 3-4 pm. Human Costume Contest: 6-7 pm."
Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 1 - 3 pm
Brühaven Taproom
Benefitting: Healing Hearts Rescue
"Want a heartwarming & exciting fall activity? Enjoy a day with pups at our brewery - perfect for dog lovers, coffee / beer enthusiasts, or families looking for a new member."
Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Urban Growler Brewing Company, Saint Paul, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Join Ruff Start Rescue at Urban Growler Brewing for Ales for Tails to sip on fantastic brews to support rescue animals."
Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 4 - 10 pm
Bauhaus Brew Labs, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Ruff Start Rescue
"Join us for a fun-filled evening at Bauhaus Brew Labs in NE Minneapolis on Thursday, November 14th, from 4-10 pm. The brewery is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring along your pup! Enjoy delicious brews while supporting a great cause. $1 per beer sold during the event will be donated to Ruff Start Rescue to support rescue animals. We’ll also be onsite with information about adoptable animals, ways to get involved, and giveaways from 5-7 pm! By attending this event, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken for Ruff Start Rescue marketing purposes."
Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 12 - 3 pm
Nine Mile Brewing, Bloomington, MN
Benefitting: RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest)
"Come join us and get your photo taken with Santa Paws! Photos will be $20 and will include a take-home keepsake paw print ornament maker."
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 5 - 8 pm
Unleashed Hounds and Hops, Minneapolis, MN
Benefitting: Great Dane Rescue of MN & WI
"Join us for our Second Annual Pet Holiday Photo fundraiser at Unleashed Hounds and Hops! $20 will get you a digital photo of you and your pup(s) from our photographer with each additional image being $10. A sitting is $20 regardless of the number of dogs or humans in the photo. Reward your pup for their Holiday posing and finish off the visit with a playdate in the park! The photos will take place in the lobby so all dogs are welcome for photos whether you would like to stay and play or not."
Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10 am - 2 pm
Chuck & Don's, Woodbury, MN
Benefitting: RAGOM (Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest)
"Join us for some fun family photos with Santa Paws! Photos will be delivered within 1 week digitally and we are asking for a $10 donation to go towards the dogs in our care."
Dog Sports & Activities:
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club (TCOTC), Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: TCOTC
Admission: $10 for members, $15 for non-members
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club (TCOTC), Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: TCOTC
Admission: $10 for members, $15 for non-members
Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club (TCOTC), Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: TCOTC
Admission: $20 for members, $25 for non-members
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 7 - 8 pm
Facebook Live Event
Organized by: TCOTC
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: Afton State Park, Hastings, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 9:30 am - 1 pm
Location: Lowell Park, Stillwater MN
Organized by: Home for Life Animal Sanctuary
Saturday, October 26, 2024, starting at 11 am
Nine Mile Brewing, Bloomington, MN
Organized by: MN Brewery Running Series
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Led by: @lucy.goosey018
Location: Minnehaha Falls Loop, Minneapolis, MN
Admission: Free (sign up here)
Saturday, November 2, 2024, starting at 11 am
Bad Weather Brewing, St. Paul, MN
Organized by: MN Brewery Running Series
Friday, November 22 - Sunday, November 24, 2024
Twin Cities Obedience Training Club (TCOTC), Minneapolis, MN
Organized by: TCOTC
Add an Event:
Am I missing a Twin Cities pet event this fall? Do you have an upcoming event you'd like to add to a future blog post?
Please submit your event here to get it added to this list! Thank you!
About Scruff Life Photography:
Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm a Minnesota-based pet photographer specializing in capturing the bond between people and their pets. I understand that pets are important family members and I am here to capture those special moments you will treasure for a lifetime. Whether you just added a pet to the family or they've been there for as long as you can remember, it's never a bad time for updated professional photos! Reach out today to schedule your pet photo session with Scruff Life Photography!
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