(Minghui.org) Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa) practitioners participated in the International Day Performance held in Troy, Michigan on September 14, 2019. It was part of the the 50th Troy Family Daze Festival held on September 12-15, 2019.

An estimated 25,000 people attended the popular annual festival, and 55 groups participated in the events. Practitioners were once again invited to demonstrate the Falun Gong exercises on stage.

Mayor Dane Slater of Troy said that the festival allows people throughout the community to understand each other's cultures and become a harmonious family. He said that each time he has watched practitioners do the Falun Gong exercises he felt good. He pointed out that Falun Gong is good for the whole world.

Mayor Dane Slater of Troy said that Falun Gong is good for the whole world.

Practitioners demonstrate the exercises on stage during the International Day Showcase.

Every September since 1968, volunteers in Troy have organized the annual family festival which features a variety of recreational activities. The aim of the event is to promote community spirit and understanding between cultures.

While practitioners were rehearsing before the presentation, visitor Ken Kenjale was deeply drawn by the peaceful energy he said he felt. He immediately sat on the ground and learned the meditation. Mr. Kenjale said, “They (Falun Gong practitioners) look so peaceful and serene.”

His wife, Meena joined him and learned the exercises. She said afterwards, “I feel good. I feel calm and very relaxed.”

Ken and Meena Kenjale learn the Falun Gong exercises.

Lisa Bica-Grogsky, chair of the International Day Performance, is also a member of the Troy International Advisory Committee. This was her third year coordinating the International Day program.

She said that the practitioners' peace and tranquility left a deep impression on her, “A large group of people suddenly came into the tent. It was very noisy. Everyone turned their attention to the noise. But the practitioners were not disturbed and continued practicing the meditation. It’s amazing!”

Lisa Bica-Grogsky said that she admired practitioners' serenity and the peaceful energy they brought to the day's events.

Jim Cyrulewski, vice president of the North Woodward Community Foundation, said, “If people learned Falun Gong they would really listen to others. Practicing Falun Gong helps people to better understand each other, and to actually listen.”