(Clearwisdom.net)

Falun Gong practitioners hold their trophy for a photo with Ms. Martinez, Mayor of Monterey Park

May 15, 2004, was a day of celebration. Nearly one hundred groups participated in the parade down Garvey Boulevard, and kicked off the 3-day-long celebration of the 88^th anniversary of the City of Monterey Park. Falun Gong practitioners from Los Angeles and San Diego joined the parade.

Monterey Park is located in East Los Angeles, and is the only city with over half its population consisting of American Chinese residents. It carries the nickname of, "Small Taipei." This is the first time Falun Gong practitioners participated in such a large-scale celebration in a major Chinese residential area. The Falun Gong Waist Drum Team, Celestial Maiden Dancers, and a decorated float added bright colors to the parade, and won the highest award of "Mayor's Prize," as well as "Best Creativity Prize" and "Best Float," for a total of three awards.