Author Archive Suzanne Hull

BySuzanne Hull

Andy Klindt Woodcraft | #CDM2018 Vendor

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Tell us about your business

Andy Klindt is an Iowa artisan specializing in chainsaw sculpture, wooden ware, and metal design.

Andy uses native Iowa timbers for his wooden creations, utilizing anything from chainsaws to hand tools. When blacksmithing, Andy uses traditional methods to forge his metal art.

Fanciful , functional, or a fusion of each…watching Andy craft original pieces is sure to delight people of all ages!

 

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

Christkindlmarket Des Moines has to be one of our favorite events! From the volunteers that work hard making sure everything runs smoothly, to the patrons that come out and enjoy all that the market has to offer, Christkindlmarket Des Moines is beyond compare! There are so many unique gifts to choose from, the food is warm and wonderful, the entertainment is excellent, and of course the Glühwein alone is worth the visit!!

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

This year Andy will have chainsaw carvings (including new designs!), wooden ware, metal art, and Christmas ornaments.

We hope to have something for everyone!

We can hardly wait for ChristkindlmarketDSM 2018!!!

BySuzanne Hull

The Museum of Danish America | Platinum Sponsor

We’re please once again to have The Museum of Danish America join us as a Platinum Sponsor of Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place this November 30 – December 2, 2018.

The Museum of Danish America (formerly the Danish Immigrant Museum) is a national museum located in Elk Horn, Iowa. Its mission is to “celebrate Danish roots and American dreams.”

They offer a variety of exhibitions, collections, genealogical resources/collections and information on Danish-American culture.

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Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

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BySuzanne Hull

Indianola Glass Creations | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

Indianola Glass Creations is a small business in Indianola, Iowa. We make glass artwork, but we also have all the tools one would need to start doing stained and fused glass on their own. In the store we create seasonal items, jewelry and take custom orders to meet the customer’s wishes. Glass classes are offered through out the month and we have a room set up for ceramic painting.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

We decided to join Chistkindlmarket because we felt when you think of Germany you may think of glass. This also allows people to buy unique Christmas gifts for their friends and family while supporting a small business.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

We will be selling unique stained and fused glass gift items as well as hand crafted German Heritage items. There will be a variety of Christmas ornaments, hand painted items on glass, and other small hand crafted items that will make the perfect Christmas gift. At Christkindlmarket Des Moines, customers will only see a fraction of what we have to offer and they can see a larger selection at the store in Indianola.

BySuzanne Hull

Steinbach Volkskunst GmbH | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

The Steinbach company from Marienberg in the Ore Mountains has been producing nutcrackers, smokers and miniature figures in the traditional way for over 200 years and stands for top quality from its own production in Germany. All figures are “Handmade in Germany.” Each piece of wood that we love to make in our factory is unique, because wood is a living resource, and every single piece has its own story, a story we continue to write. Each step, every detail and every brushstroke is carried out with care and dedication.The entire production process from creation through sampling to final production takes place in our factory in Marienberg in the Ore Mountains. Experience tradition – experience Steinbach.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

We want to bring the magic of the Ore Mountains into the homes of people all over the world. The Christkindlmarket in Des Moines corresponds exactly to our ideas to transport this magic perfectly. A Christmas market, which offers German goods of all kinds and inspires and entertains its guests. A concept that fits our philosophy. We look forward to becoming a part of this community this year.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

  • Steinbach Products: Big Nutcrackers, Small Nutcrackers – Chubbys & Trolls, Smokers, Gift boxes
  • Glässer products (products of our partner company)
  • Gingerbread stuff like hearts and cookies

Anything else you’d like to share?

We are looking forward to it and are very excited about the residents of the beautiful city of Des Moines.
BySuzanne Hull

Ruhland’s Strudel Haus | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

Founded in 2002, Ruhland’s Strudel Haus is a maker of fabulous sweet and savory strudel. We are inspired by the belief that food is one of life’s’ celebrations and is integrated into our relationship with the Earth and one another. Our mission is to provide a unique experience of common union. Our hope is that what we make will gather people around the table to celebrate the love and community found in family and friends. Our goal is to create food that brings joy and delight. 

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

We were asked to be part of it last year.  We have been involved in the Christkindlmarket in Excelsior, MN for the last 12 years.  it runs over Thanksgiving weekend.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

Apple Strudel with Whipped Cream, Strawberry Rhubarb Strudel with Whipped Cream, Spinach Feta Artichoke Heart Strudel with Hummus, Reuben Strudel with Thousand Island Dressing, Hot Chocolate, Hot Cider, Hot Coffee,
Hot Pretzels with beer cheese sauce or whole grain mustard

Anything else you’d like to share?

We make 48 varieties of both sweet and savory strudel. We sell them as a take-and-bake product in many farmers markets in the Twin Cities. Hopefully, by the time we are at the market in Des Moines we will be able to ship our frozen strudels to Iowa.
BySuzanne Hull

Curbin’ Cuisine | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

Food trucks are a rising tide lifting all boats in the local restaurant industry into a growing new ocean. Without a doubt, Food Trucks have grown in popularity in the Des Moines area greatly since 2015 and we did no want to wait one more moment to get in on the fun. But Curbin’ Cuisine did not start then, it launched in 2013 as a street food cart and went to many farmers markets, city festivals and breweries.  With popularity growing quickly from their delicious cuisines, in January 2016 Curbin’ Cuisine Food Truck & Catering launched.   And within one very quick and great year, Curbin’ Cuisine was voted top 3 Best of the Best Food Trucks by the viewers of City View Magazine in 2017.

Curbin’ Cuisine is exactly as their motto reads, “Eat Good & Feel Good”.  Their globally inspired foods will feed your body & soul as they are made with mixed flavor fusion with tasty sauces & spices and prepared fresh & fast with one goal in mind, a satisfied happy customer.

Curbin’ Cuisine’s Food Truck Menu IS one you will NEVER forget.  It will keep you coming back for more time and time again! The staff is fast, fun & friendly and most importantly the food is  forkin’ delicious.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

Curbin’ Cuisine loves to be apart of unique, one of a kind, festivals in the Des Moines area.  Christkindlmarket is just that.  It is fun, outdoors and the event coordinators are awesome to work with.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

For this years Christkindlmarket we will be selling some German favorites that have Curbin’ Cuisine’s touches (a few were crowd favorites in 2017):

  • The Hogfather (Kielbasa stuffed w/ Pulled Pork & topped w/ BBQ Bacon Kraut)
  • German Mac n Cheese
  • German Hot Potato Salad
  • German Beef & Bacon Skillet Cabbage Dinner
  • Fried Mini Apple Pie w/ Ice Cream and Caramel Drizzle
  • Bottled Water
  • Hot Hazelnut Coffee
BySuzanne Hull

Dakota Tinworks | #CDM2018 Vendor

Tell us about your business

Dakota Tinworks is a small, family-owned business, based in Estelline, South Dakota. Karl, who is the family tinsmith, makes a variety of practical and decorative tin items, many of which are based on 19th century historical examples, and are made primarily with 19th century tinsmith’s tools.

Karl trained as a historical tinsmith with Loren Miller at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island, Nebraska, and with master tinsmith William McMillen at Historic Eastfield Village in rural East Nassau, New York.

Karl’s tin work has been purchased by many private individuals across the United States (30 states and counting!), and he has done commissioned work for a variety of people and organizations, including an art museum, a historical society, and two historic sites.

In addition to making tin pieces, Karl also offers 19th century tinsmithing demonstrations. A popular ‘living historian’, Karl’s summer calendar is typically filled with regional living history events, the organizers of which contract with him to interact with the public and demonstrate the art and craft of 19th century tinsmithing.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018?

We wanted to be involved in the Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 because we all had such a great experience at the Christkindlmarket in 2017. The organizers were wonderful, the event was enjoyable, the people we met were friendly and interested in what we do, and the sales were fantastic! It was a great way to end our year and we look forward to our return to CDM in 2018!

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 and why did you choose them?

We will be offering many of the things we offered in 2017, but plan to bring much more stock with us to meet the demand for items that proved extremely popular like tinsel, ornaments of various kinds, and tree toppers. Karl has already designed a series of new ornaments this year which will be for sale at CDM 2018. In addition, we will be offering candle holders, candle sconces, a variety of lanterns, cookie cutters, cups, and so much more!

Anything else you’d like to share?

We are thrilled to be a part of Christkindlmarket Des Moines for 2018. It’ll be the highlight of our year.

BySuzanne Hull

2018 Christkindlmarket Des Moines Entertainment Schedule

Friday, November 30, 2018

11:00 am – 2:00 pm Stu Ryan O’Brien Irish traditional, pub classics and Irish American songs everybody knows. There’s always a wee bit of clappin’, sing along and lots of laughs too!

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Top Hat Carolers The Top Hat Carolers have been performing throughout Central Iowa for 25 years. They sing traditional Christmas and contemporary holiday songs dressed in Victorian garb.

6:00 pm – 6:10 pm Opening Ceremony

6:10 pm – 6:30 pm – Kantorei Kantorei is a small group of college students drawn from the Grand View Choir that sings a variety of music. For Christkindlmarket Des Moines they will be singing Christmas carols.

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Barry Boyce Band The Barry Boyce Band is a group based out of Omaha and has been performing live since 1989. Their performances include a variety of ethnic music featuring old-time German, Czech and Polish polkas and waltzes with English lyrics.

Barry Boyce Band

Saturday, December 1, 2018

11:00 am – 12:00 pm Central Iowa Wind Ensemble The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble is an adult symphonic band with musicians drawn from the greater Des Moines area.

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Central Iowa Wind Ensemble The Central Iowa Wind Ensemble is an adult symphonic band with musicians drawn from the greater Des Moines area.

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm Heartland Youth Choir The Heartland Youth Choir, comprised of 180 singers from central Iowa, is a civic organization providing a performance-based program for youth, emphasizing musical literacy and character development.

2:50 pm – 3:30 pm Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance Celebrate Irish culture with the Foy School of Irish Dance. The revelry includes delightful traditional dances and contemporary choreographed numbers that both enchant and entertain!

5:10 pm – 5:50 pm Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Malek’s Fishermen Band Oldtime European style Polka Music

Malek’s Fishermen Band at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017

 

Sunday, December 2, 2018

11:10 am – 12:00 pm Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Metro Brass Quintet The Metro Brass Quintet is based in the Des Moines, Iowa Metropolitan area and plays a wide range of music from polkas to classical to new works!

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Des Moines Chantant (strolling) Des Moines Chantant was created in 2014 by a group of French-speaking Iowans who wanted to get together and sing in French around Christmas time. We have loved it so much that we are still getting together after 3 years and love to share our French songs.

2:10 pm – 2:50 pm Schuhplattler Gruppe Edelweiss SG Edelweiss, the award winning Bavarian dance group from St. Paul, MN, will perform traditional German and Austrian folk dances.

3:00 – 4:00 pm International Folk Dancing This is a spectator’s participation dance, no experience necessary, Each dance will be taught as we go and dances are from around the world with an emphasis on French Folk Dances.

 

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

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BySuzanne Hull

The Silent Auction is Back and Better than Ever!

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is proud to present a unique fundraising opportunity for nonprofit organizations. We will have 15 – six to eight-foot cut trees** available for decoration that will be displayed outside during the market and sold via a silent auction. The organization that decorates the tree will receive the funds earned from Des Moines European Heritage Association following the event.

Individual organizations are responsible for all tree decorations, and all items used on the tree will be given to the winning bidder. We encourage decorations that are able to withstand the temperamental Iowa weather (snow, sleet, rain, and/or wind) and do our best to protect what we can. The trees remain outside and uncovered for the duration of Christkindlmarket Des Moines.

Our third annual tree decorating will take place the day before the event weekend starts, Thursday, November 29th, and trees will be available for bidding at the beginning of the market on Friday, November 30th.

If you have participated in the past, either as a decorator or bidder, we have made some changes that we hope will make the experience even better. Minimum bids will start at $60, an increase of $10 from our first two years. This year will also feature a buy now option and the ability to bid and monitor the silent auction items off-site.

Please use this link to register your nonprofit organization as a participant at the Chistkindlmarket Des Moines silent auction tree decorating. Once the form has been submitted, additional information will be sent via email.

If you have any questions, contact Missy Mootz at [email protected].

** Cut trees are not perfect and will have a tendency to lean. Our temporary stands used during the event are also imperfect and will not always allow for the optimal display of the tree. We will present the trees in the most positive way given our circumstances. Please manage your expectations accordingly.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

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BySuzanne Hull

#CDM2018 Vendor Announcement

Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 Gift and Specialty Item Vendors

 

 

An der Weihnachtsecke (At the Christmas Corner), Imported from Germany

Offering: Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 commemorative mugs, hand-painted German ornaments (Glaszauber Lauscha), advent calendars, imported chocolate, baumkuchen, Mozart kugeln, Asbach filled chocolates, assorted marzipan, Haribo, Pandoro, Pannetone, butter cookies, stollen, beer steins, beer mugs, beer glassware, shot glasses and Christkindlmarket Des Moines merchandise. Price Range: $1 – $200

 

 


 

Steinbach Volkskunst GmbH (LLC), Marienberg, Germany

STEINBACH – PURE GERMAN –

Offering: Folk art products like our world-famous nutcrackers, smokers and miniature figures and Lebkuchen

Price Range: $5 – $400


Coal Ridge Crafts, Knoxville, IA

Coal Ridge Crafts will be selling wooden toys, stuffed animals, Christmas ornaments hand crafted from wood, felt and burlap. Wooden boxes and inspirational signs will also be available.

Offering: Wooden puzzles, pull toys, cars, trucks, planes, helicopters,Plinko, Noah’s Ark, toddler chairs, tractors, construction toys, dinosaurs, wooden boxes, nativity scenes, wall hangings and wooden ornaments.

Price Range: $4 – $60


 

Craic, Grimes, IA

Craic (pronounced “crack”) is an Irish word for good times, but with a bit of irreverence, as is the Irish way. We focus on Iowa and the Irish–our home and our homeland–and local, handmade products with a twist of fun.

Offering: Irish, Irish dancer and humorous goods

Price Range: $4 – $45


 

DamonLayne Woodworking, Earlham, IA

Beautiful handmade cutting boards and serving trays.

Offering: Cheese cutting boards, Cutting boards, Serving trays

Price Range: $35 – $45

 

 

 

 

 


DSM Foundry, Des Moines, IA

Laser cut gifts and decorations.

Offering: Wooden lanterns, glassware, ornaments, decorative maps/signs

Price Range: $1 – $150

 

 

 

 


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Andy Klindt – Chainsaw Carvings, Des Moines, IA | DEMONSTRATION

Andy is an Iowa artisan specializing in chainsaw sculpture and metal design. Fanciful , functional, or a fusion of each…watching Andy craft original pieces will delight people of all ages!

Offering: Chainsaw carvings, wooden ornaments.

Price Range: $5 – $2000

 

 

 

 


Pickle Creek Herbs, Fairfield, IA

At Pickle Creek, we use organic herbs we grow on our Iowa farm to handcraft artisanal herbal products, including infused olive oils and vinegars, jams, soaps, salves, salts, and balms.

Offering: Herb-infused olive oils and vinegars, jams, soaps, salves, salts, and balms that we handcraft ourselves using original recipes and the herbs and other produce we grow in our garden.

Price Range: $3 – $22

 

 

 


Icy Craft, Iowa City, IA

Acrylic Christmas decorations with ornaments, musical boxes and religious figurines.

Offering: Christmas music boxes, acrylic ornaments, angel and nativity Christmas trees.

Price Range: $30 – $50

 

 

 

 


fb_img_1480914201471museum of danish america, Elk Horn, IA

The Museum of Danish America booth will carry items from its Design Store reflecting Danish culture and Danish, Danish-American and Scandinavian design.

Offering: Danish, Danish-American, and Scandinavian items from our Museum Gift Shop: Nisse, Christmas ornaments, candles, papirklip, mugs & glasses, t-shirts, candy & jam, tea diffusers, dish cloths & tea towels, aebleskiver pans

Price Range: $5 – $100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


On The Hill, Garrison, IA

On The Hill / Shepherds Market. Old world traditions at it’s best. Keeping the ancient art of spinning and weaving woolens alive. Soothing body and soul from our homegrown lavender products.

Offering: Hand-spun, hand-woven shawls, wraps, scarves, yarn, from our rare Suri alpacas. Lavender products from our lavender field ie: bath salts, lotions, soaps, spritz, sachets. Our own design broach/pins for our shawls also jewelry incorporating yarn from our alpacas. Drop spindles.

If weather permitting I will demonstrate spinning yarn with my spinning wheel or drop spindle and weaving on my continuous strand tri-loom.

Price Range: $5 – $285


Jett and Monkey’s, Des Moines, IA

Jett and Monkey’s offers hunde und katzen (dogs and cats) holiday gifts, including treats and toys. Visit our store in the East Village!

Offering: Pet supplies, including holiday toys, treats, and ornaments.

Price Range: $2 – $25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Indianola Glass Creations, Indianola, IA | DEMONSTRATION

Step inside the world of glass. Indianola Glass Creations designs and creates one of a kind Stained and Fused Glass ornaments, suncatchers, jewelry and home decor. They will be demonstrating blown glass ornaments.

Offering: Fused Glass pendants, rings, earrings & bracelets, ornaments, suncatchers, platters, bowls, coasters & clocks. Stained Glass ornaments, panels & clocks. Blown glass ornaments. Wine bottle lamps, tealights & wind chimes.

Price Range: $5 – $100


Wild Cherry Spoon Co, Rock Island, IL | DEMONSTRATION

Wild Cherry Spoon Co creates one of a kind handcarved pieces from urban lumber.

Offering: Handcarved wooden spoons, spatulas, kitchen utensils of various styles and purposes, bottle openers, pizza cutters, ice cream scoops, pizza paddles, baguette trays and serving pieces.

Price Range: $3 – $125


Dakota Tinworks, Estelline, SD | DEMONSTRATION

Dakota Tinworks is a family-owned business dedicated to making and selling traditional tinware and ornaments, hand-made exclusively by tinsmith Karl-Josef Schmidt, using primarily antique, 19th century tinsmith’s tools and techniques.

Offering: Handmade tinware of all kinds: tin Christmas ornaments, tin tree tinsel, tin tree toppers, tin cookie cutters, tin biscuit cutters, tin candle holders, tin candle sconces, tin cups, and tin candle lanterns.

Price Range: $5 – $150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Boorman’s Creations, Altoona, IA | DEMONSTRATION

Blacksmith Demonstrations and Forged Items

Offering: Forged Bells, Forged Keychains, Forged Steak Turners, Forged Sculptures, Forged Horseshoe Creations, Forged Kitchen Knives

Price Range: $5 – $200



Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2018 Food & Beverage Vendors

 

 

Glühwein

Glühwein (roughly, “glow-wine”, from the hot irons once used for mulling) is popular in German speaking countries. Glühwein is prepared from red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star aniseed, citrus, sugar and at times vanilla pods.


Iowa Beer Bus


L&L European Delight, Chariton, IA

Ukrainian style foods, gifts and desserts

Offering: Perogies, cabbage Rolls, pelmeni, baked goods,,candy

Price Range: $2 – $10

 

 

 

 

 


Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin, Darlington, WI

Our unique Wisconsin Made Brun-uusto is a specialty cheese made to be served warm. Brun-uusto caramelizes and keeps it shape, becoming a crispy, sweet and soft delicacy.

Offering: Brun-uusto Baked Cheese

Price Range: $6 – $25

 

 

 

 


Chocolaterie Stam, Des Moines, IA

Offering: Hot chocolate, bars, prepacked boxes and fresh stroopwafels

Price Range: $3 – $50

 

 

 

 

 

 


Top of the Hill Nuts, Grinnell, IA

Offering: Roasted almonds, cashews, and pecans with cinnamon or maple flavor

Price Range: $5 – $15

 

 

 


Curbin Cuisine, Granger, IA

State of the art, wickedly designed bright green food truck.

Offering: The Hog-Father (Butterflied Kielbasa topped w/ Pulled Pork & Bacon Sauerkraut), Käse Spätzle (German Mac n Cheese), German Potato Salad, German Skillet Dinner (slow roasted beef, potatoes, rice, onions, peppers & tomatoes w/ German seasonings), Mini fried apple pie w/ ice cream and caramel sauce, Bottled Water, Hazelnut Coffee
Price Range: $2 – $8

 


Sugarplums Cakes and Confections, LLC, Altoona, IA

Sugarplums is a local bakery that specializes in traditional gingerbread and other European baked goods for the Christkindlmarket. Everything we sell is made completely from scratch from family recipes.

Offering: Baked goods with an emphasis on gingerbread (lebkuchen, pfeffernuss, houses, sentiment hearts), Springerle, dutch letter bars, spritz, sugar cookies and scotch-a-roo Santas ( the santas are gluten free)
Price Range: $1.50 – $40

 


Parlo Pizza, LLC, Des Moines, IA

Chestnuts roasted “old school style” in a wood fired oven bring an “old world flavor” to this outdoor holiday market. See the fire, smell the aroma, taste this quintessential wintertime delicacy.

Offering: Roasted chestnuts
Price Range: To be determined

Ruhland’s Strudel Haus, Eagan, MN

Hand made, fresh baked strudel and pretzels.

Offering: Sweet and savory strudel
Price Range: $5 – $7

 

 

 


Karam’s Mediterranean Grill, West Des Moines, IA

Offering: Greek salad gyro plate, chicken shawarma plate, combo plate, falafel plate, lamb & beef gyro, fries, homemade sweet baklava, Coke, Diet Coke, Mountain Dew
Price Range: $3 – $12

 


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