(Minghui.org) Practitioners were invited to participate in the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival on May 5, 2024, in the City of Winchester, Virginia. Crowds of spectators enjoyed the Falun Dafa float and waist drum team as they watched the parade.

Winchester, with a population of nearly 30,000, is 75 miles northwest of Washington D.C. Surrounded by large apple orchards, it is known as the apple “capital” and is one of the largest apple exporters in the United States. The annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival attracts more than 200,000 tourists every year.

Practitioners participated in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Parade on May 5

When Jenn saw practitioners at the starting point of the parade, she said, “I saw you in the parade last year. Your group was very good. You were all so kind, and I loved your bright yellow clothes.” Jenn came to the U.S. from Thailand. She asked her mother and son to stand in front of the Falun Dafa banner and took several pictures.

Jenn (first on right) and her mother and son from Thailand

Two practitioners demonstrated the exercises on the float. Many people heard about Falun Dafa for the first time. The waist drum team performed behind the float as spectators applauded and accepted Falun Dafa fliers from other practitioners.

People receive information about Falun Dafa.

Jennifer, who is from Winchester, saw the parade with her family. After hearing about Falun Dafa for the first time, Jennifer said, “I think it’s beautiful. They bring beautiful moments to the whole festival. They are so peaceful. It’s a beautiful moment to see them.”

Jennifer watching the parade

Bill, another local, said, “Their performance was very good, and the message of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance they conveyed was positive and beautiful.”

Tommy said, “I noticed the banner says ‘Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,’ which I support. I noticed that they participate in many public activities, which is very good. We really need Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. It’s more needed than ever. I think the cultural exchange is great, too, and I think it’s a good thing to include [the waist drum team].”

Tommy watching the parade

Brian and Cindy remembered seeing practitioners in the parade last year. This time Brian said, “It feels good. I think the world needs more kindness.” Cindy said, “We love that banner that says T’ruthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.’ I think we do need that.”

Te, who was sitting on the curb watching the parade, applauded as the Falun Dafa contingent passed by. She said this was the first time she’d ever seen practitioners in the parade and kept saying, “Very good.” When she saw the banner that read “The World Needs Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance,” she said, “That’s great. We really need that [Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance] here.”