(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from Sydney recently joined the annual “Festival of the Fleeces” in the picturesque Hunter Valley, a region famous for its wine, located four hours northeast of Sydney, Australia.

The twelve practitioners who participated found it an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the beauty of Falun Dafa to the public, and also to inform local citizens in the town of Merriwa about the persecution of Falun Dafa that has been ongoing in China since July 20, 1999.

Exercise demonstration

Practitioners in the Festival of the Fleeces Parade in Merriwa

Young Oliver passes out fliers to the locals

The festival is a major family event which recognizes the importance played by the sheep and wool industry in local history. It features both a parade and street booths, and gives locals and visitors an opportunity to participate in the local community.

Falun Dafa practitioners taught the exercises at their booth, and spoke to the locals about the principles of the practice. They also participated in the parade, demonstrating the exercises to soulful music, dressed in yellow, while the Tang Ladies danced gracefully in traditional costumes.

Locals learn about Falun Dafa from Amy

Information table

Practitioners after the parade in Merriwa

Amy, who has been practicing Falun Dafa for four years and organized the booth, said, “It's such a great experience. This is our second year at the festival, but to be part of the parade this year was spectacular. Being able to bring Dafa to a rural community, and talking to so many people. They're interested in what we’re doing, they want to know more about Dafa, and they also want to know how they can learn. We’re planning to come back next year, and I hope we can have the lion dance then, too!”

Tah'eta, from New Zealand, visited the festival, and said she plans to make a trip to Sydney specifically to learn more about Falun Dafa. She asked if she could visit some local Sydney practitioners. Before leaving, she hugged the practitioners one by one, saying, “Thank you so much!”

Amber, from the neighboring town of Scone, learned the exercises and stayed with the practitioners even after the booth had packed up. She said she felt a strong connection with Falun Dafa and wants to learn more, and that she will definitely visit the Falun Dafa websites.