(Clearwisdom.net) The United States federal government designated the month of May as Asia and Pacific Month, and every May, various Asian celebrations are held throughout the country. On May 7, 2005, the Asian American Festival was held in the Richmond Convention Center. Falun Gong practitioners were invited to participate in the event and to perform two programs on stage. The coordinator for the practitioners was also invited to be one of the organizational committee members.
  Practitioners' performance |   Practitioners' performance |
On the stage of the exhibition hall, many groups from different Asian countries gave performances. A 14-year-old practitioner performed on a Chinese musical instrument for the audience and won much applause. In the afternoon, several practitioners performed a traditional fan dance on stage. Several Chinese participants in other booths came to congratulate the practitioners, saying, "Your performance is wonderful and really represents our Chinese culture."
In the cultural exhibition area, Falun Gong practitioners' booth was welcomed and caught the attention of passers-by. Some practitioners clarified the truth to passers-by and several others conducted the Falun Gong exercise demonstration. Many westerners were interested in the practice. Local practitioners pre-arranged a free introductory workshop to be held after the festival. Several hundreds flyers announcing the workshop and the local practice schedule were distributed within a few of hours. Some Chinese visitors said that they had read the Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party and supported practitioners' efforts of truth-clarification.
  "Look how attentive I am!" |   Linda is teaching the exercises |   "I'd like to do meditation." |
Little practitioners also played roles in the event and improved themselves in the process. Many kids attended the event. A young girl passed by and watched the exercise demonstration. Little practitioner Linda was asked to teach her the exercises. Linda was reluctant initially, but smiled after teaching her. A while later, the girl came back with a piece of candy to show her appreciation to Linda. Since then, little practitioner Linda taught the exercises to other children passing by, along with other practitioners. A young boy put his hands together in the Heshi position, to thank Linda after learning the exercises.
