Trees for the Arts at the Winterfest of Lights

The Winterfest of Lights is back in Ocean City, Maryland, spreading holiday magic across the town. This year, the Art League of Ocean City invites you to make the season even brighter by participating in its annual “Trees for the Arts” event—a festive competition about creativity, community, and giving back.

From November 21st to December 31st, step into the Winterfest Pavilion to marvel at a dazzling display of 24 uniquely decorated trees. Each tree is lovingly crafted by local businesses and organizations, including some of your favorite Ocean City hotels and restaurants. Together, they’re lighting up the holidays for a great cause.

How It Works:

  • Vote for Your Favorites: Each vote costs $1, and you can vote as often as you like. Every dollar raised will support the Art League’s youth programs. VOTE FOR US BY CLICKING HERE
  • Help Choose the Winner: The tree with the most votes at the end of Winterfest will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Your votes could help your favorite tree take the crown!

What Makes It Special:

“Trees for the Arts” is more than a holiday event—it celebrates Ocean City’s creative spirit. Each tree tells its own story, showcasing the talent and festive imagination of the people and businesses that make this town shine.

OCMD Hotels and OCMD Restaurants will both have a tree decorated to represent all of your favorite properties! Here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to when you go to vote for yourself.

Plan Your Visit:

Tickets for the Winterfest of Lights are available at ococean.com. Stop by the pavilion to see the trees, cast your votes, and enjoy the lights.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the season, support local art programs, and make cherished memories with friends and family. Cast your votes, spread the holiday cheer, and let the magic of “Trees for the Arts” light up your winter!

Sunfest 2024: Ocean City’s Grand Finale of Summer!

Ocean City’s Sunfest 2024 wrapped up another incredible year, filling the beach with energy, live music, and sunshine! This year’s festival offered everything fans love, from thrilling performances and unique crafts to mouthwatering food options—all under perfect weather conditions, making it an unforgettable celebration of summer’s end!

Stellar Line-Up of Artists

This year’s lineup brought something for everyone, with standout performances like Kayleigh Clark. With a mix of rock, country, pop, and local favorites, the festival’s headliners and supporting acts created an unforgettable atmosphere that amplified the fun.

Exciting Events and Activities

Beyond the music, Sunfest offered an array of activities to engage and entertain. Visitors wandered through artisan booths, watched Dock Dogs, explored the beach maze, and more! The food vendors didn’t disappoint, serving classic beach bites along with unique festival fare like Gosia’s Pierogies and sweet and savory crepes. Kids enjoyed family-friendly games, face painting, and interactive activities, making Sunfest an event for everyone.

Perfect Weather to Top It Off

Adding to the magic, this year’s Sunfest enjoyed ideal weather—sunny skies, mild ocean breezes, and warm temperatures. This made the outdoor experience even more enjoyable, whether visitors were lounging on the sand, strolling the festival grounds, or dancing along to their favorite tunes. They were kidding when they named the stage “Beach Stage”.

Until Next Year!

As the final day came to a close, Sunfest reminded everyone why it’s one of Ocean City’s most cherished traditions. The festival was the perfect farewell to summer, setting the stage for an even bigger celebration next year!

Spend Halloween in Ocean City!

Halloween in Ocean City is packed with family-friendly events, spooky fun, and plenty of treats. Here’s your guide to the best Halloween happenings in Ocean City this October.

October 24-27th: Sunfest

October 24-27th: Halloween Beach Maze

  • Thursday-Saturday: 10am-5pm 
  • Sunday: 10am-3pm 

Head to North Division Street for a thrilling adventure through the Halloween Beach Maze. The maze is filled with spooky decorations and fun challenges, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s open throughout the weekend, so there’s plenty of time to join the fun!

October 26th: Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade and Pageant

  • 1pm – 3pm

Dress your pet up in it’s favorite costume for a chance to win a a prize. You can dress up too!

October 26th: Drive in Disguise & Truck or Treat

  • Drive in Disguise: 3pm
  • Trunk or Treat: 3:45pm

This one-of-a-kind event lets you decorate your car with Halloween spirit! Join other locals as they “Drive in Disguise” through town, with a “Truck or Treat” to follow. Get creative with your car’s costume and enjoy the community atmosphere.

October 27th: The Great Pumpkin Race

  • Registration:  11:30am – 12:30pm
  • Races Begin:  1pm 

A fan-favorite event, the Great Pumpkin Race challenges participants to race their homemade pumpkin racers down the street.


Other Activities

October 22: Paint Night

  • When: 6pm-8pm
  • Where: Windmill Creek & Winery
  • Fee: $33.85

Sit back with and glass and paint some pumpkins alongside artist Jessica L. Schlegel!

October 23: Haunted Harvest Murder Mystery

  • When: 6pm-9pm
  • Where: Windmill Creek & Winery
  • Fee: $65

Enjoy appetizers, wraps and a free glass of wine while you witness a live murder mystery performance. Ticket sales end October 20th so make sure you reserve your spot and purchase from here.

October 24: Charcuterie Tricks N’ Treats – Kids Workshop

  • When: 5:30pm-7pm
  • Where:
  • Fee: $39.19
Charcuterie Tricks N' Treats - Kid's Workshop!

Enjoy a hands-on charcuteries board making class with your kids!

October 24: A Ghostly Gathering Story Sharing Event

  • When: 7pm-9pm
  • Where: Reverie Arbor & Wine Bar
  • Fee: Free
A Ghostly Gathering

Listen to Mary’s stories to help get you in the spooky spirit!

October 25: Pumpkins in the Park

  • When: 7pm-9pm
  • Where: Stephen Decatur Park
  • Fee: Free or $25 to participate
Pumpkins in the Park

Vote for your favorite carved pumpkins or submit your own! All proceeds go to the Berlin Gardens.

October 25-26: Ocean Pines 4th Annual Haunted House

  • When: 7:30pm-9:30pm
  • Where: Ocean Pines Community Center
  • Fee: $8
OP Haunted House

What’s Halloween without a haunted house?

October 25th-27th: 34th Annual Sea Witch Festival

  • When: 9am-5pm
  • Where: Downtown Rehoboth Beach and Town of Dewey Beach
  • Fee: Free

Head down to Rehoboth Beach to watch the Halloween parade down the avenue along with a dog parade, live music, games and more!

October 26th: Wags, Witches and Warlocks

  • When: 8am-1pm
  • Where: Downtown Bethany Beach
  • Fee: Varies (see below)
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Enjoy a day full of fall fun. There’s a costume contest, Halloween games, pet adoption, and trick or treating!

October 27th: Seacrets Halloween Party and Costume Contest

  • When: 5pm-2am
  • Where: Seacrets Jamaica USA

Participate in Seacret’s costume contest for a chance to win tickets to Jamaica!

October 27: Annual “Spook Out” Party

  • When: 1pm-3pm
  • Where: Northside Park
  • Fee: Free (required to bring one full bag of individually wrapped candy)
Annual Halloween 'Spook Out' party in OC this Sunday | Lifestyle |  oceancitytoday.com

Hosted by Ocean City Recreation & Parks, the Spook Out Party is a family-friendly Halloween event filled with games, costume contests, crafts, and plenty of candy. Kids can enjoy a safe trick-or-treating experience while participating in all the spooky fun.

October 31: Haunted Highway: Trick-or-Treat Bash

  • When: 4:30pm-7pm
  • Where: Roland E. Powell Convention Center
  • Fee: Free with costume
Haunted Highway

Taking place during the OC RV & Van Lifestyle Show, kids can trick-or-treat by going to the different RVs, vans and exhibits. It’s something different to do this year!

October 31: Halloween Celebration in Berlin

  • When: 5pm-7pm
  • Where: Downtown Berlin
  • Fee: Free
Halloween in Berlin

Wear your favorite costume and head to downtown Berlin for trick-or-treating!


Ocean City’s Halloween season is bursting with activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a creative workshop, a spooky haunted house, or a fun costume contest, there’s no shortage of events to get you in the Halloween spirit!

Endless Summer Cruisin’ was a Success!

The 27th annual Endless Summer Cruisin’ brought the streets of Ocean City, Maryland, alive once again with the roar of classic cars and the enthusiasm of auto enthusiasts from all over. This year’s event featured a fantastic lineup of over 3,200 cruisers, including vintage classics, hot rods, and custom builds, shining brightly under the October sun.

Whether you cruised down Coastal Highway or just enjoyed the sights, the event offered plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment. For those who couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry—next year promises even more excitement with OC Cruisin’ 2025, scheduled for May 1-4, and Endless Summer Cruisin’ 2025 on October 9-12. Be sure to mark your calendars!

Here are some photos of the incredible rides that graced this year’s event, giving you a reason to plan your visit next year. Be sure to visit this page to book your stay in advance!

Endless Summer Cruisin’ is Back for 2024!

If you’re a classic car lover, the Ocean City Cruisin’ event is perfect for you. Held annually in Ocean City, Maryland, this exciting multi-day event is packed with action for car enthusiasts. With hundreds of classic, custom, and muscle cars on display, Ocean City Cruisin’ offers something for everyone.

What to Expect at Ocean City Cruisin’

Ocean City Cruisin’ isn’t just about parking cars in a lot and calling it a day. It’s a full-throttle celebration of vintage vehicles, offering a variety of activities for participants and spectators. Here are some of the highlights you can look forward to during the event:

1. Parades Along the Famous Boardwalk

Each morning of the event, you’ll see the classic cars roll along Ocean City’s historic Boardwalk. You can grab a cup of coffee, settle into your spot, and enjoy the unique parade.

2. Car Shows & Competitions

The heart of the event is the various car shows that take place throughout Ocean City. There are daily competitions, and car enthusiasts get the chance to show off their vehicles in categories ranging from best custom build to best paint job.

3. Ocean City Cruzers Car Show

The Ocean City Cruzers Car Show, typically held at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street, is an opportunity for local enthusiasts and visitors to mingle and appreciate vintage vehicles.

4. Special Themed Shows

In the evenings, things get even more exciting with unique shows like the Neon & LED Light Car Show. Cars equipped with dazzling neon lights and LEDs light up South 1st Street, creating a colorful and vibrant nighttime spectacle. The fun continues with events like the Beard Contest and the Pedal Car Show!

Schedule

Wednesday, October 9th

  • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Early Arrival Sign-In | Ocean City Convention Center (OCCC)
  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: R&M Welcome Car Show | Seacrets Parking Lot (49th Street)
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Seacrets Kick-Off Party | Inside Seacrets (49th Street)

Thursday, October 10th

  • 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Pre-Registered Sign-In | OCCC
  • 8:00 AM: Boardwalk Parade | From 27th Street to the Inlet
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Car Shows | Inlet and OCCC
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Vendor Showroom and Feature Cars | OCCC Indoors
  • 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Meet Todd Bridges | OCCC Indoors
  • 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Live Music by Mook Jones | OCCC Lot
  • 1:00 PM: Morning Awards Ceremony | OCCC and Inlet
  • 1:30 PM: BINGO | OCCC Indoors
  • 4:30 PM: Afternoon Awards Ceremony | OCCC and Inlet
  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: R&M Car Show | Seacrets Parking Lot (49th Street)
  • 7:00 PM: Sun Records Live Concert* | OCCC Performing Arts Center

Friday, October 11th

  • 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Pre-Registered Sign-In | OCCC
  • 8:00 AM: Boardwalk Parade | From 27th Street to the Inlet
  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Coffee with Cops | Jay’s Café (23rd Street)
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Car Shows | Inlet and OCCC
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Vendor Showroom and Feature Cars | OCCC Indoors
  • 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Meet Todd Bridges | OCCC Indoors
  • 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Meet Cristy Lee | Inlet
  • 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Live Music by Mook Jones | OCCC Lot
  • 1:00 PM: Morning Awards Ceremony | OCCC and Inlet
  • 1:30 PM: Beard Contest | Inlet Stage
  • 4:30 PM: Afternoon Awards Ceremony | OCCC and Inlet

Saturday, October 12th

  • 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Pre-Registered Sign-In | OCCC
  • 8:00 AM: Boardwalk Parade | From 27th Street to the Inlet
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Car Shows | Inlet and OCCC
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Vendor Showroom and Feature Cars | OCCC Indoors
  • 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Meet Todd Bridges | Inlet
  • 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Meet Cristy Lee | OCCC Indoors
  • 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Live Music by Mook Jones | Inlet
  • 1:00 PM: Morning Awards Ceremony | OCCC and Inlet
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: NSRA Appreciation/Inspections | Inlet
  • 4:00 PM: Pedal Car Show | Inlet
  • 4:30 PM: Afternoon Awards Ceremony | OCCC and Inlet
  • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Neon & LED Light Car Show | South 1st Street

Sunday, October 13th

  • 9:00 AM: Rodders for Christ Chapel Service | Inlet
  • 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Car Shows & Vendors | Inlet
  • 1:00 PM: Charity Banner Auction | Inlet
  • 2:00 PM: Grand Finale Awards | Inlet

Mark your calendar, shine up your ride, and get ready for a weekend full of horsepower, nostalgia, and beachside fun!

New Dates for Springfest & Cruisin’ in 2025

                                                     

Ocean City, Maryland – (September 18, 2024): The Town of Ocean City and its Special Events Division have announced a date change for the Springfest. The four-day festival, which is celebrating its 34th anniversary in 2025, is traditionally held in the first week of May. In 2025, the event will move to an earlier time slot, taking place from April 24-27, 2025.

“As our event calendar continues to evolve and we strive to create the best possible experiences for residents and visitors, we recognized the opportunity to shift the dates,” said Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo. “We believe moving the event one week earlier will better align with the town’s overall schedule, and we’re confident it will allow us to continue delivering a fantastic experience.”

Special Events Director Frank Miller echoed the Perlozzo’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of this change for the event’s long-term success. “We’ve always strived to deliver top-tier events, and this adjustment allows us to reimagine our current event to bring an even better event to the town next April,” said Miller. “We are grateful to our community and participants for their understanding as we work to enhance the experience for everyone involved.”

The event will retain its usual fan-favorite features, including concerts, delicious Eastern Shore delicacies, and the best craft vendors on the East Coast. More details about the event will be released as the event draws near. “The new dates bring excitement and opportunity to an event that has kicked off our season each year,” Miller continued. “We look forward to offering the tradition that our residents and visitors love while sprinkling in the excitement of a new date and new opportunity.”

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Cruisin’ Moved to May 1-4, 2025 

Ocean City, Maryland – (September 17, 2024): In a joint announcement, the Town of Ocean City and the producers of the popular Cruisin’ Ocean City event revealed that the event is moving from its previously planned dates. The event, scheduled for mid-May, will move to May 1-4, 2025.

“As our shoulder seasons continue to evolve, we have begun to look closely at our event calendar, and we have made adjustments that we think will benefit our events and our community,” commented Ocean City’s director of tourism and business development, Tom Perlozzo. “After three decades, Cruisin’ Ocean City has built a long-standing relationship with our businesses, residents, and visitors. Although change can be challenging, we believe the new event dates will greatly benefit the event’s overall success.”

Along with the adjustment to the Cruisin’ Ocean City event, the Town of Ocean City is also announcing a date change for the annual Springfest celebration, which will now take place April 24-27, 2025. “Realigning the dates for both Springfest and Cruisin’ Ocean City gives us a unique opportunity to create a more cohesive festival experience for our guests,” added Perlozzo. “We’re excited to see these signature events grow together and draw even more visitors to Ocean City in the spring.”

According to event promoters, this change will take work, but it will prove to be the best option for the event to grow in the future. “As producers of the event, providing continuity in succeeding years is of utmost importance,” commented Meredith Herbert of Special Event Productions. “With that in mind, changing the dates for 2025 allowed us to solidify the future dates for 2026 and 2027.”

According to Herbert, the new dates will eventually give the event full use of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center’s Exhibit Halls space, which they have not had in previous years. Further, although the dates will be new, the event will feature the same format as other Cruisin’ years, including Boardwalk Parades, a kickoff concert night, and satellite car shows throughout the community.

“We are excited to return to the first week in May of 2025, which historically is the weekend that hosted the first Cruisin’ Ocean City,” Herbert said. “Regardless of the date, we are confident the event will provide the same amazing experience our guests have grown to love over the last 34 years.”

Those currently registered for the event who cannot attend the new dates can request a refund or transfer prior to March 1, 2025. Please send an email to infoevent@specialeventpro.com. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and continued support.  Please note that Endless Summer Cruisin’ 2024 will be held in the coming weeks, October 10-13, 2024, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon!

**The previous information has been provided to us by the Town of Ocean City**

Maryland Folk Festival

Celebrate Maryland’s Culture at the Maryland Folk Festival 2024!

The Maryland Folk Festival returns this September, offering an exciting weekend filled with live music, cultural performances, and artisan showcases. From September 22-24, downtown Salisbury will come alive with diverse folk traditions from around the country. This free, family-friendly event promises a memorable experience with performances across multiple stages, featuring everything from bluegrass to gospel, traditional dance, and much more.

Schedule Highlights:

  • Friday, September 22: The festivities kick off at 6 PM with a variety of live music performances and food vendors.
  • Saturday, September 23: Full-day events begin at 12 PM with workshops, storytelling, and music across multiple stages.
  • Sunday, September 24: Don’t miss the closing performances and the final artisan demonstrations, starting at 12 PM.

Enjoy a weekend celebrating the rich traditions of folk culture in Maryland! For the full schedule and details, visit Maryland Folk Festival.


Get Ready for Country Calling: Your Guide to Nearby Hotels in Ocean City, MD

This year marks the exciting debut of the Country Calling Music Festival in Ocean City, MD! While this is the festival’s first year, its counterpart, Oceans Calling, attracts a staggering 50,000 people each day. With such large crowds, finding transportation or, worse, parking can be a major challenge. But don’t let that stress get in the way of your fun.

One simple solution? Stay at a hotel within walking distance from the festival. Not only will you skip the hassle of traffic, but you’ll also enjoy the luxury of strolling to and from the event with ease. Here are some conveniently located hotels that will keep you close to the action:

The Oceanic Motel

Oceanic Motel, 105 S 1st St, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 0.3 miles
    Located just a short walk from the festival grounds, this motel offers the ultimate convenience if you want to be right in the thick of things.
corner of the motel with sand, beach chairs and hammocks in the foreground

Plim Plaza Hotel

Plim Plaza Hotel, 109 N Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 0.6 miles
    A little farther but still well within walking distance, Plim Plaza Hotel offers a comfortable stay with great amenities. With its prime location on the boardwalk, you’ll be close to not only the festival but also the beach and local restaurants.

Harrison Hall Hotel

Harrison Hall Hotel, 1409 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 1.5 miles
    For those who don’t mind a slightly longer walk, Harrison Hall is a great choice. Set along the boardwalk, this historic hotel gives you the best of both worlds: proximity to the festival and a beachfront stay.

Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard Ocean City Oceanfront, Two 15th St, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 1.5 miles
    If you stay here, you’ll have the opportunity to conveniently dine at Captain’s Table, located inside the hotel.

Quality Inn Boardwalk

Quality Inn Boardwalk, 1601 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 1.5 miles
    Grab yourself a cup of coffee at the Starbucks right outside the hotel before heading to the festival!
Hotel entrance | Quality Inn, Ocean-city MD Hotels

Holiday Inn & Suites

Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, an IHG Hotel, 1701 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

  • Distance from the festival: 1.6 miles
    If you prefer a full-service hotel with a range of amenities, this is a fantastic choice. When your not at the festival you can enjoy the pools, fitness center, or the restaurant.

With so many hotel options nearby, attending the first-ever Country Calling Festival in Ocean City couldn’t be easier. Whether you want a quick walk from your room to the festival or a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, these accommodations will ensure you’re close to all the excitement!

So, book your stay now and get ready to enjoy a weekend full of country music, good vibes, and the beauty of Ocean City!

Guinness World Record Breaker – Cascading Carlos

Carlos, the 2 time Guinness World Record title holder tries for a third title at one of our locations!

Breaking his First Guinness World Record

Carlos broke his first world record July 9th in 2015 with the Diablo Throw. Using a Chinese yoyo, he threw it above an 8-story building before catching it again. This was actually preformed at one of your locations – The Holiday Inn on 66th street in Ocean City! The record that he broke was 65 ft, setting a new record of 78 ft 5 inches.

Breaking his Second Guinness World Record

Fast forward 6 years to May 15th, 2021, Carlos breaks his second Guinness World Record in Bethany Beach, DE. For this he had to break the previous record of 106 helicopter spins with devil sticks in one minute. He surpassed this with 113 spins in one minute marking him as the new record title holder!

Picture
Photo by Glenn Rolfe

Going after his Third Guinness World Record Title

This past Sunday, September 8th, Carlos attempted to break another world record at the Hilton Oceanfront Suites. This title was for the highest propellor toss with a devil stick. Carlos had to perform propellor spins for a full 5 seconds before throwing the stick over a bar, catch it, and then do the propellor spins for another 5 seconds.


You can catch Carlos at a number of our locations to see him in action!

Ocean City Bikefest

Rev Your Engines for OC BikeFest 2024!

Every September, Ocean City, Maryland, transforms into a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts as OC BikeFest roars into town. This year’s event, happening from September 11-15, 2024, promises an unforgettable experience for bikers and fans alike. With epic live music, custom bike shows, and scenic rides along the coast, OC BikeFest is the perfect end-of-summer event. For more information regarding tickets, parking, and rules and regulations visit https://ocbikefest.com/.

OC BikeFest 2024: Daily Event Schedule

Wednesday – Saturday

  • Inlet venue: Gates open 4PM
  • Convention Center: 9AM – 7PM

Wednesday, September 11

  • Main Stage: Cecilia’s Fall at 5:30 PM, Jasmine Cain at 7:30 PM, Buckcherry at 9:30 PM.
  • Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel: Shows at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM.

Thursday, September 12

  • Main Stage: Nothing More at 5:30 PM, Sevendust at 7:30 PM, Theory of a Deadman at 9:30 PM.
  • Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel: Shows at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM.

Friday, September 13

  • Main Stage: The Rockoholics at 5:30 PM, Tesla at 7:30 PM, Ted Nugent at 9:30 PM.
  • Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel: Shows at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM

Saturday, September 14

  • Main Stage: Jet Black Roses at 5:30 PM, Cheap Trick at 7:30 PM, Styx at 9:30 PM.
  • Ives Brother’s Ball of Steel: Shows at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM.

Sunday, September 15

  • Inlet Venue: Closed.
  • Convention Center: Vendors from 9 AM to 2 PM, Rommel Harley-Davidson from 9 AM to 1 PM.

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