(Minghui.org) On July 28, the 63rd Seafair Torchlight Parade, one of the top ten parades in the U.S.A., was held in Seattle. More than 300,000 people come to see the parade every year, and 700,000 people watch it on TV. For the eighth time, local Falun Gong practitioners were invited to perform in the parade and showcase their exquisite “Fa Boat” float.
Falun Gong entry in the parade
The magnificent “Fa Boat” float
Practitioners' waist-drum team
Spectators applaud for Falun Gong
One hundred twelve groups participated in the parade this year. The parade route, spanning two and a half miles, began at the Space Needle TV tower at 7:30, proceeded along Fourth Avenue, and ended at Century Link Stadium.
The Falun Gong group's entry consisted of a banner team, a float and a waist-drum team. A large banner, which read “Falun Dafa is good” and three large characters “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance” led the entry. Local TV station KIRO7 broadcast the parade live. The host introduced Falun Gong as an ancient cultivation practice for the improvement of mind and body with teachings based on the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. The TV reporter said that he felt a calm energy from the Falun Gong group as they passed by.
Practitioners decorated the float as a large “Fa boat.” On the body of the boat, there were three large characters--“Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” and gold clouds around them. Practitioners put lotus flowers and lights on the deck. Eight practitioners demonstrated the exercises on the boat.
The waist-drum team, consisting of forty practitioners, followed the float. Their performance was warmly welcomed by the spectators.
