25 Kentucky Derby Party Ideas: Decorations, Food, Drinks & Games for the Perfect Race Day
The first Saturday in May is almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you want to throw a Kentucky Derby party that feels like the real deal — not just a regular weekend get-together with a TV on in the corner. Think wide-brimmed hats, horses thundering down the track, the sweet clink of ice in a silver cup, and the kind of atmosphere that makes people forget to check their phones.
Whether you’re hosting 6 friends in your backyard or 60 guests in a rented hall, this guide has everything you need: decorations that photograph beautifully for Pinterest, food that impresses without keeping you in the kitchen all day, classic Derby drinks, and games that get everyone hyped for race time. Let’s dive in.
The Derby Party That Almost Wasn’t (And Became My Best One)
Three years ago, I decided to host my first proper Kentucky Derby watch party. I had 22 guests coming, no real plan beyond “buy some roses and mint,” and approximately four days to pull it all together. I burned the first batch of eggs benedict, my fascinator hat kept falling sideways, and I forgot to print the official race program until the morning of the event.
And yet — it was magical. People still bring it up. My neighbor Carolyn, who had never watched a horse race in her life, won the hat contest AND the horse draw. My brother-in-law drank three mint juleps and declared the Kentucky Derby “the greatest sporting event on Earth.” We watched American Pharoah’s historic footage at 2 AM because nobody wanted to go home.
That messy, imperfect party taught me everything I know about what makes a Derby gathering truly memorable. It isn’t about perfection. It’s about roses on the table, the smell of bourbon in the air, hats that make people laugh, and that collective held-breath moment when the horses break from the gate. These 25 ideas are the result of everything I’ve learned since — tested, refined, and genuinely loved by my guests every single year.
DECORATIONS
1. Rose Garland Centerpiece — The Heart of Your Derby Table
No single decoration screams “Kentucky Derby” louder than roses. The race is literally called “The Run for the Roses,” and the winning horse is draped in a blanket of 554 red roses. So if you’re going to do one decoration right, make it your rose centerpiece.
For an impressive yet affordable setup, mix fresh red roses with faux roses from a craft store — most guests won’t be able to tell the difference from across the table. Use a long, low wooden box or a galvanized metal trough as your vessel. Arrange roses in alternating red and cream clusters. Tuck in greenery like eucalyptus and fern between the clusters. Add a few stems of wheat or barley for a Kentucky farm feel.
Want to go extra? Hang a small garland of miniature roses along the table edge using twine and florist pins. This creates that gorgeous Pinterest-worthy overhead shot and makes the table feel genuinely festive. I did this for my 2023 party, and it was in four people’s Instagram stories before the first race even started.
Pro Tip: Order fresh roses from a wholesale flower market or Costco 2 days before the event. They’ll bloom perfectly by race day and cost a fraction of a florist’s price.
2. Derby Hat Display Wall — Where Style Meets Spectacle
Kentucky Derby fashion is half the event. The hats, the fascinators, the seersucker suits — it’s basically a wearable art show. So why not turn that into a decoration? A Derby hat display wall is one of the most visually stunning and Instagram-magnetic setups you can create for your party.
Start with a pegboard, chicken wire frame, or a blank wall with adhesive hooks. Gather 10 to 15 hats of all styles — vintage wide-brimmed hats from thrift stores, dollar store straw hats you’ve decorated yourself, and any fascinators you can find. Attach ribbon, fabric flowers, feathers, and silk roses to each one. Arrange them in a gallery-wall style, mixing sizes and colors.
The genius of this is twofold: it’s a showstopper decoration, AND guests can pluck a hat off the wall to wear. That turns passive decoration into interactive fun. Set up a small mirror nearby so people can admire themselves, and watch your hat wall become the most photographed spot at the party.
Pro Tip: Hit your local thrift stores 3 to 4 weeks before Derby Day. You’ll find incredible vintage hats for $2 to $5 each. A hot glue gun and some ribbon transforms any plain hat in under 10 minutes.
3. Churchill Downs Photo Backdrop — Your Party’s Best Memory Maker
People love taking photos at themed parties — they just need a backdrop that makes the photo worth taking. A Churchill Downs-inspired photo backdrop solves this instantly, and it becomes one of the most-shared memories from your whole event.
For a DIY approach, print a large-format banner of Churchill Downs’ famous twin spires from an online print shop (usually under $30 for a 4 by 6 foot banner). Frame it with a garland of artificial roses on each side. Add a hay bale and a horseshoe prop in front for a ground-level photo area.
For a more elaborate version, build a greenery wall using artificial boxwood panels from Amazon or a craft store. These run about $15 to $25 per panel and attach together with zip ties. Mount a laser-cut “Churchill Downs” or “The Run for the Roses” wooden sign in the center. Place a silver mint julep cup prop, a rose bouquet, and a vintage racing program on a small table in front. This creates a backdrop that looks genuinely professional.
Pro Tip: Add a small chalk or neon sign that says “Post Time: 6:57 PM” — a little detail that Derby fans will absolutely love and that adds authenticity to every photo taken there.
4. Racing Silks Table Runner — Elegant, Colorful and Instantly Festive
Jockey silks — those bright, patterned jerseys worn by riders — are one of the most recognizable visual elements of horse racing. Bringing that color and energy to your table is surprisingly easy and makes an enormous visual impact.
Buy 1 to 2 yards each of 3 to 4 brightly colored fabrics from a fabric store: bold stripes, polka dots, or chevron patterns in Derby colors like red, green, gold, and black. Cut them into 12-inch-wide strips and layer them down the center of your table, alternating patterns. The overlapping layered effect mimics the visual chaos of racing silks beautifully.
Alternatively, purchase actual miniature racing silks from equestrian gift shops or online Derby stores. These small fabric flags can be arranged in a line down the table center, alternating with rose buds and small candle votives. The result looks like a table styled for an editorial magazine shoot and costs under $25 total.
5. Horse Number Escort Cards — Functional Decoration That Doubles as Game Setup
This is one of my favorite ideas because it serves three purposes at once: it’s a decoration, it’s a place card, AND it sets up the horse draw game. Write each guest’s name on a small cream-colored card. Attach a number from 1 to 20, matching the official Derby field, with a small brass paper fastener. Pair it with a tiny ribbon in the color of that horse’s racing silks.
Arrange these cards in a small wooden box filled with Spanish moss or in individual silver julep cups along a welcome table at the entrance. When guests arrive, they pick up their escort card — which also tells them which horse they’ve been assigned for the race. It’s elegant, interactive, and guests keep these as souvenirs.
DRINKS
6. Classic Mint Julep Bar — The Crown Jewel of Derby Drinks
There is no Kentucky Derby without the Mint Julep. Over 120,000 of them are served at Churchill Downs on race day alone. This is the drink that defines the event, and setting up a dedicated Mint Julep bar at your party is both practical and absolutely gorgeous.
Set up a small bar cart or side table with everything guests need to build their own julep: a large bowl of crushed ice, fresh mint bunches in water glasses, a simple syrup dispenser, bottles of quality Kentucky bourbon (Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, or Maker’s Mark are perfect), and silver or pewter julep cups. Yes, real silver cups — they keep the drink frosty and they look stunning. You can rent them, buy affordable silver-plate versions on Amazon, or use stainless steel mint julep cups from party supply stores.
Label each component with small chalkboard signs. Add a handwritten “Build Your Own Julep” instruction card. The whole setup becomes a centerpiece AND a conversation starter AND solves the drinks problem for the whole party. My guests always crowd around this station like it’s a magnet.
Pro Tip: Make a big batch of simple syrup the night before: equal parts sugar and water, simmered until dissolved, then cooled. Add fresh mint leaves to the syrup while it’s warm for mint-infused syrup that takes the julep to a whole new level.
7. Bourbon Tasting Station — For the Whiskey Lovers in the Room
Kentucky produces 95% of the world’s bourbon, so honoring that heritage at your Derby party just makes sense. A bourbon tasting station elevates your event from “party” to “experience,” and bourbon enthusiasts will absolutely love you for it.
Select 4 to 6 Kentucky bourbons across a flavor spectrum: something light and approachable like Buffalo Trace, something spicy like Knob Creek Rye, something rich and sweet like Blanton’s or Eagle Rare, and something high-end as a treat. Pour small 1 oz pours into labeled glasses. Include a tasting card with flavor notes for each bourbon. Provide water crackers and plain popcorn as palate cleansers between pours.
Print or handwrite small cards for each bourbon with tasting notes like “notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.” Guests feel like they’re at a proper whiskey event, and it encourages conversation among people who might not know each other well. This station practically runs itself once you set it up.
8. Derby Sunrise Cocktail — The Showstopper Drink Nobody Expects
While the Mint Julep gets all the fame, the Derby Sunrise might steal the show at your party. It’s visually dramatic, surprisingly easy to make in batches, and the gorgeous red-to-orange gradient looks absolutely stunning in a clear glass on a sunlit table.
To make a Derby Sunrise: fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2 oz bourbon and 4 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice. Then slowly pour 1 oz grenadine over the back of a spoon so it sinks to the bottom. The grenadine creates that sunrise gradient effect. Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry. Make a big batch of the bourbon-OJ mix the night before and keep it chilled. Guests just pour over ice and add their own grenadine drizzle at the station.
Pro Tip: Have individual grenadine bottles at the drink station so guests can create their own sunrise effect — they’ll all line up to photograph it before drinking.
9. Mocktail Mint Julep — So No Guest Feels Left Out
A good host thinks about every guest — including those who don’t drink alcohol, are pregnant, or are driving home. A mocktail Mint Julep that’s just as beautiful and ceremonial as the real thing is a small touch that means the world to guests who don’t drink.
Mocktail Julep recipe: muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 1 oz mint simple syrup in a silver cup. Fill with crushed ice. Add 4 oz sparkling water or ginger ale and a splash of lime juice. Garnish with a fresh mint bouquet and a lime wheel. Served in the same silver cup, it looks identical to the bourbon version. Nobody has to feel different or left out at your bar station.
10. The Classic Mint Julep Recipe Card — A Keepsake Gift and Decoration
Print a beautiful Mint Julep recipe card for each guest to take home — this doubles as decor and as a party favor. Use a vintage-style design with a horse illustration, the Churchill Downs twin spires, or a rose motif. The classic recipe: 2 oz Kentucky bourbon, 0.75 oz mint simple syrup, crushed ice, garnish with fresh mint.
Frame a large version and lean it against your bar station. Guests love reading it, photographing it, and taking the smaller printed version home. It’s a 50 cent per-person cost that looks like a $10 party favor. Small details like this are what guests remember and talk about afterward.
FOOD
11. Hot Brown Sliders — Kentucky’s Most Famous Sandwich, Party-Sized
The Hot Brown is Louisville’s signature dish — an open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce (a rich, cheesy béchamel), topped with crispy bacon and tomato, then broiled until golden and bubbly. It was created at The Brown Hotel in Louisville in the 1920s and has been a Derby staple ever since.
For a party, make mini Hot Brown sliders on small Hawaiian rolls or dinner rolls. Layer sliced turkey and tomato, pour your Mornay sauce over the top, add a half-strip of bacon, and broil for 3 to 4 minutes until bubbling. Arrange on a cast iron skillet or wooden board for a rustic, stunning presentation. Provide cocktail forks or toothpicks. These disappear fast — always make more than you think you need.
Pro Tip: The Mornay sauce can be made 24 hours ahead and reheated gently. This makes the day-of assembly incredibly quick — just assemble, sauce, and broil right before guests arrive.
12. Benedictine Finger Sandwiches — The Ladylike Derby Classic
Benedictine is a pale green cream cheese and cucumber spread invented in Louisville in the early 1900s. It’s been served at every proper Kentucky Derby party for over a century, and for good reason: it’s creamy, refreshing, elegant, and takes five minutes to make.
Recipe: blend 8 oz softened cream cheese with half a peeled, grated, and squeezed-dry cucumber, 1 tablespoon grated onion, salt, and 2 drops green food coloring (optional but traditional). Spread on crustless white sandwich bread, cut into triangles or finger rectangles. Arrange on a tiered server with a rose garnish. These are light, beautiful, and the perfect counterbalance to the richer savory foods at your table.
13. Derby Pie Bites — Kentucky’s Most Indulgent Dessert, Bite-Sized
Derby Pie — a chocolate and walnut tart similar to a pecan pie, often made with a splash of bourbon — is THE dessert of the Kentucky Derby. The original recipe from Kern’s Kitchen in Louisville is trademarked, but homemade versions are a beloved Derby tradition. Making them as individual bite-sized tarts makes them perfect for a party setting.
Use a mini muffin tin lined with pie crust rounds. Fill each with a mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, vanilla, and a tablespoon of bourbon. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until set. They come out like perfect little chocolate-walnut tarts. Dust with powdered sugar and serve on a tiered stand. These are rich, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible.
Pro Tip: These bake and freeze beautifully — make a double batch two weeks ahead, freeze them, and simply thaw the morning of your party. One less thing to stress about on Derby Day.
14. Burgoo-Inspired Slow Cooker Stew Bar — Hearty Kentucky Comfort Food
Burgoo is Kentucky’s unofficial state stew — a thick, slow-cooked pot of mixed meats and vegetables that’s been a fixture at Derby parties and outdoor events since the 19th century. For a party, a simplified burgoo-inspired chicken and vegetable stew hits all the same notes with a fraction of the effort.
Cook a large batch in a slow cooker overnight. Set it up as a self-serve “stew bar” with a ladle, crusty bread rolls, hot sauce, and sour cream on the side. Label it with a small sign reading “Kentucky Burgoo” and a note about its Derby heritage. Guests who’ve never heard of it will be fascinated. Guests from Kentucky will be charmed that you included it. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that keeps people full through race time.
15. Rose Petal Macarons — The Most Photographed Food at Your Table
There is one food item that will appear in more photos at your Derby party than anything else: rose-colored or rose-flavored French macarons. They are the intersection of visual beauty and Derby symbolism, and they create an instant wow moment on any dessert table.
Order them from a local macaron bakery and request soft pink, cream, and red in rose-water or vanilla flavor. Alternatively, make a batch from scratch if you’re an experienced baker. Arrange them in a pyramid on a pedestal cake stand, interspersed with fresh rose buds and small gold ribbon. They photograph beautifully, taste wonderful, and align perfectly with the “Run for the Roses” theme. Even a small box of 12 macarons placed strategically near the photo backdrop creates that visual punch.
GAMES & ACTIVITIES
16. The Hat Contest — Your Party’s Biggest Crowd-Pleaser
This single game creates more energy, laughter, and memorable moments at a Derby party than anything else. Simply announce before guests arrive that there will be an official Hat Contest with a prize for the winner. You’ll be amazed at the creativity and effort people put into their headwear.
Set up judging categories: Most Creative, Most Authentic Derby Hat, Most Outrageous, and Best Floral Design. Have guests vote by placing dried beans or colored tokens in labeled glass jars in front of each contestant. Prize ideas: a bottle of good bourbon, a silver julep cup, a “Winner’s Roses” ribbon, or a gift card to a local restaurant. This is the one tradition from my very first Derby party that I’ve kept every single year since — and it’s always the moment everyone talks about on the drive home.
Pro Tip: Have a small stash of “emergency hats” — a few extra decorated hats that guests who forgot can borrow. Watching someone grab a wild emergency hat and run with it is always the funniest moment of the night.
17. The Horse Draw Sweepstakes — Instant Racefans
This is the game that transforms casual party guests into passionate Derby fans in under two minutes. Write the names of all 20 official Derby horses on small slips of paper, fold them, and place them in a beautiful bowl or hat. Each guest draws one name — that’s their horse for the race. Whoever’s horse wins takes the jackpot.
For the pot, ask each guest to contribute $5 when they arrive. For a 20-person party, that’s a $100 pot — enough to generate real excitement. If you want to extend the game, also give smaller prizes for 2nd and 3rd place. The beauty of this game is that even guests who know nothing about horse racing are suddenly screaming at the TV with genuine emotion. It’s pure magic every single time.
18. Finish Line Bingo — Keep Every Guest Engaged All Day
Finish Line Bingo keeps the energy high for hours before the main race and is perfect for guests who want to stay engaged with the preliminary races throughout the broadcast. Create bingo cards with squares that include Derby-related events: “A gray horse wins a race,” “Jockey wears red silks,” “Announcer says photo finish,” “Horse is scratched,” “Winner by a nose,” and so on.
Print 20 to 30 unique bingo cards using a free online bingo card generator. Give each guest a card when they arrive. Hand out small candy pieces or poker chips as markers. Run bingo throughout the broadcast — every time a square matches what happens on screen, guests mark it. When someone hits bingo, they win a small prize. This keeps people watching the TV instead of drifting to their phones, which is exactly what you want.
19. Kentucky Derby Trivia — Test Your Guests’ Racing Knowledge
Running a 10 to 15 minute trivia round between the preliminaries and the main race is a perfect way to fill downtime and get people talking to each other. Derby trivia can range from easy crowd-pleasers to genuinely challenging questions that even horse racing fans will struggle with.
Sample questions: “What year was the first Kentucky Derby run?” (Answer: 1875) — “How long is the Churchill Downs track?” (Answer: 1.25 miles) — “How many roses are in the winner’s blanket?” (Answer: 554) — “Which horse won the 2015 Triple Crown?” (Answer: American Pharoah) — “What is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby?” (Answer: Mint Julep). Use a free trivia app on a smart TV or just read questions aloud and have teams write answers. Winner gets a small prize and the bragging rights of being the room’s most knowledgeable Derby fan.
20. Photo Booth Corner — Memories Your Guests Will Keep Forever
A dedicated photo booth corner gives guests a specific place to create memories, and with the right props, it produces photographs that people genuinely frame and keep. This is also one of the highest-value setups for Pinterest-worthy content because you’ll end up with gorgeous photos to share after the event.
Set up in a corner with your Churchill Downs backdrop. Provide a prop basket with: oversized sunglasses, miniature toy horses, a “Winner!” ribbon, a horseshoe prop, small roses, fascinators, a “First Saturday in May” sign, and novelty glasses shaped like horseshoes. Set up your phone on a tripod with a 10-second timer so guests can take group shots without needing a photographer. You’ll end up with 50+ great photos from the night, all using the same beautiful backdrop.
EXTRA SPECIAL TOUCHES
21. Flower Crown Making Station — Hands-On Fun Before the Race
Set up a flower crown station 30 to 45 minutes before guests arrive to fill that pre-race window with activity. Provide wire headbands, floral tape, wire cutters, and a selection of silk or fresh flowers in Derby colors. Include instruction cards showing three difficulty levels: simple (wrap a few stems), intermediate (layered flowers), and advanced (full crown).
This works wonderfully for mixed groups — children and adults both love it, it gives people something to do during cocktail hour, and everyone ends up with a personalized accessory for the race. Put a full-length mirror nearby so guests can admire their creations. The crowns then double as hat contest entries or simply as beautiful party accessories for photos.
22. Official Race Day Program Kits — Make Guests Feel Like They’re at Churchill Downs
The official Kentucky Derby program is available for download and purchase from Churchill Downs. Printing and assembling mini program kits for each guest is a small touch that creates an outsized sense of occasion. It tells guests: this is a real event, and we’re taking it seriously.
Each kit can include: a printed race card showing all 20 horses and their odds, a betting cheat sheet explaining how to read odds and what each bet type means, a horse draw slip for the sweepstakes game, a small pencil, and your custom bingo card. Put it all in a small kraft envelope or a paper bag tied with twine. Guests receive them when they arrive and feel immediately immersed in the Derby experience.
23. Kentucky Derby Playlist — The Soundtrack That Sets the Mood
Sound is the most underrated element of party atmosphere. The right playlist makes your space feel like Churchill Downs; the wrong one deflates the energy immediately. A Kentucky Derby playlist should shift energy depending on the party timeline.
For the two hours before guests arrive, play classic Kentucky bluegrass music, old-school country, and Southern swing. During cocktail hour, switch to upbeat jazz and big band music that feels festive and elegant. As race time approaches, build toward “My Old Kentucky Home” — the official Derby song always played before the race. Then follow with fast-paced energy to raise the room’s excitement. Post-race, play an uptempo joyful playlist celebrating the winner. Build this ahead of time on Spotify by searching “Kentucky Derby playlist” for many ready-made options.
24. Derby Party Favor Bags — Send Guests Home With a Smile
A small party favor sends a message to guests: you thought about them beyond just the party itself. For a Kentucky Derby theme, favors that feel authentic and themed create a lasting impression. They don’t need to be expensive — thoughtful is what matters.
Excellent Derby favor ideas include: a small jar of homemade mint simple syrup with a handwritten Mint Julep recipe attached, a small bag of local honey (very Kentucky), a miniature bottle of bourbon with a custom label, a packet of heirloom rose seeds, a Derby-themed bookmark with a pressed rose flower, or a tiny tin of Derby Pie mix with the recipe. Place any of these in a small paper bag, tie with gold twine, and attach a card that says “Thanks for joining the Run for the Roses!” Leave them by the door so guests see them on the way out.
25. Race Day Countdown Timer — The Final Touch That Builds Anticipation
This is my favorite final touch because it transforms the atmosphere in the room as the main race approaches. Set up a countdown timer on a smart TV, tablet, or a large digital clock counting down to the official post time (6:57 PM ET on the first Saturday of May). As the clock ticks toward zero, the energy in the room builds naturally — even guests who were chatting suddenly start watching the screen.
You can find Derby countdown clock apps online or simply use a countdown timer app on a tablet propped up near the TV. Announce when the clock hits 30 minutes, 10 minutes, and 5 minutes. The 2-minute warning before post time is when you play “My Old Kentucky Home” — tell guests to raise their glasses and join in. That collective moment, everyone with their juleps raised, is the heart of what a Kentucky Derby party is supposed to feel like. It never fails to give me chills, no matter how many years I’ve done this.
Pro Tip: Print a large “Post Time: 6:57 PM ET” sign and hang it near your TV or bar area. It’s a small, authentic detail that makes the whole party feel like a real race event rather than just a TV viewing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Derby Parties
How far in advance should I start planning a Kentucky Derby party?
Ideally, start 3 to 4 weeks before the event. This gives you time to order decorations, source specialty items like silver julep cups, plan your menu, and send invitations. The week before, prep food items that can be made ahead — Derby Pie bites, simple syrup, and benedictine spread — so race day itself is relaxed and enjoyable.
What is the most important decoration for a Kentucky Derby party?
Roses, without question. The race is called “The Run for the Roses” for a reason. Even if you only do one decoration, a rose centerpiece immediately signals to guests that this is a genuine Derby celebration. Combine roses with gold or green accents and you have an instantly recognizable Derby aesthetic.
What food can I make ahead for a Derby party?
Almost everything on this list can be prepped ahead. Derby Pie bites freeze well and just need thawing. Benedictine spread keeps in the fridge for 3 days. Burgoo stew is actually better the next day. Mint simple syrup lasts a week refrigerated. Making as much as possible ahead means you enjoy your own party instead of being stuck in the kitchen all afternoon.
What is a good budget for a Kentucky Derby party for 20 people?
A beautiful Derby party for 15 to 20 people can be hosted for $150 to $300 total, depending on your food and drink choices. Focus your budget on roses for the biggest visual impact, good bourbon for the julep bar, and the food items guests will remember most. DIY your decorations from thrift store finds and craft supplies to save significantly.
Can I host a Kentucky Derby party without knowing anything about horse racing?
Absolutely — and this was me at my first party. The horse draw game, the hat contest, the countdown timer, and the energy of the broadcast itself carry the event completely. You don’t need to know racing to feel the electricity of 20 horses breaking from the gate at Churchill Downs. The party does the work, and by the end of the race, you’ll have a room full of newly converted Derby fans.
Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Derby Day Starts Here
The Kentucky Derby is one of those rare events that genuinely brings people together — people who love fashion, people who love bourbon, people who love sports, and people who just love a great party. You don’t need to be from Kentucky, you don’t need to know anything about horses, and you don’t need a big budget to create a celebration that feels genuinely special.
Start with one or two ideas from this list — maybe the rose centerpiece and the horse draw. Then add a few more each year until you find the version of a Derby party that feels like yours. That’s exactly how my first chaotic party became a tradition my guests now clear their calendars for every May. May your roses be fresh, your bourbon be cold, your hat be outrageous, and your horse run first.
Happy Derby Day!
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