(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in Middletown’s Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade again this year, bringing ancient Chinese culture to their local community as they demonstrated the five Falun Dafa exercises, performed the dragon dance, and played the waist drums.

The annual parade started after dark, at 6:30 p.m. on November 29, 2019. The procession began at Run 4 Downtown Park on North Street, proceeded to West Main Street, and concluded at Festival Square.

Members of the Falun Dafa Waist Drum Team were dressed in bright golden-yellow costumes and performed to joyous holiday music. The crowd cheered to welcome the Falun Dafa procession and local children were especially excited to interact with the dragon dance.

The City of Middletown held its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Parade on November 29, 2019. Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to join the celebrations again this year.

The crowd welcomes Falun Gong’s fliers and lotus keepsakes.

Brandy and Sherrie in front of the Falun Dafa procession

Ed and his wife

Ed and his wife, holding the lotus keepsakes they were just given, thanked practitioners. “Every year at this event our family likes to get a new lotus flower. It’s great and carries a good message, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” Ed said.

Ricardo and his family

After taking a group photo in front of the Falun Dafa procession, Ricardo said, “I knew that Falun Dafa is good! Many people believe that.”

Cinka wants to learn Falun Dafa.

Cinka came over to the practitioners and asked for a flier. “Other people told me that Falun Dafa is good. Can I join you? Where can I learn the practice?” she asked.

A practitioner explained what the practice was about to her. Cinka identified with the principles and said she wished to join the parade next year.

Shaquan (right) and his friends

Shaquan and his friends carefully read the Falun Dafa flier to learn more about the practice. They said they agreed with the principles and admired the health benefits.