(Clearwisdom.net) The annual Floral Festival in Toowoomba, Australia, was held from September 16 to 25 this year. On September 17, local Falun Gong practitioners participated in the Grand Floral Parade--the only parade in Australia with flowers as its theme.
Falun Gong practitioners' entry
The parade has a history of 62 years and is organized by the local government. This year, 57 groups participated, and it was the 13th time for local Falun Gong practitioners to be in the parade.
The parade started at noon and proceeded along Herries Street for several miles. More than 100 thousand people lined the streets to watch. Falun Gong's entry consisted of the Divine Land Marching Band, an exercise demonstration, dragon dancers, celestial maidens, and a waist drum team. Practitioners held large banners that read “Falun Dafa Is Good” and “The World Needs Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.” The Divine Land Marching Band performed several songs composed by Falun Gong practitioners. Their performances were greatly appreciated by the spectators. Many Chinese people proudly waved to the band.
Along the parade route, the organizers set up seven stages, where the hosts introduced each group to the spectators. Many people learned about Falun Gong through the parade. One tourist came up to the practitioners after the parade and said, “I was very excited when I saw you and your banners. I really want to learn more about Falun Gong. Can you give me some detailed information?” Three Chinese students bowed to practitioners, expressing their appreciation for bringing information about Falun Gong to the public.
