(Minghui.org) The 33rd Ocean County Columbus Day Parade was held in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, on October 13, 2024. Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate, and their waist drum team and lotus flower dancers received a warm welcome from the spectators.

Falun Dafa practitioners were invited to participate in the 33rd Ocean County Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, on October 13, 2024.

People receive informational materials and talk to practitioners, to learn more about Falun Dafa.

The parade was the highlight of the three-day weekend Italian Festival, and attracted many people. Fifty-five groups, six floats, and eighteen bands celebrated Italian American culture.

According to the event organizers, more than 80,000 people attended the celebrations over the three days, with over 40,000 present on Sunday alone. The parade not only continued the traditions of Italian American culture but also drew participants from diverse communities, showcasing the blending of different cultures.

Planning Committee: We Are Glad They Come Every Year

Mike Blandin, chairman of the planning committee, praised the practitioners’ waist drum and lotus flower teams. “We’re delighted they could join the parade,” he said. “They bring an important cultural element to our event, and we’re glad they come every year.”

Mike Blandin, chairman of the celebration planning committee, had words of praise for the Dafa practitioners’ waist drum and lotus flower teams.

The waist drum team, dressed in bright yellow exercise outfits, and the graceful lotus flower dancers showcased traditional Chinese culture.

Yi Zhongyuan, head of the New York Falun Dafa Association, expressed joy at seeing the public’s appreciation of traditional Chinese culture. She said, “There were so many people watching the parade. We want to share the truth of Falun Dafa with people of all backgrounds. Many people waved to us, which moved us deeply. We want to bring the goodness of Falun Dafa to everyone.”

She also emphasized the importance of preserving traditional culture, and added, “Traditions come from heaven; they are the essence of every nation. Valuing traditions helps maintain the essence of a culture.”

Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Benefits Everyone

Many people also expressed their admiration for the Falun Dafa contingent. Retired gymnastics teacher Maura Nallen said, “I love their waist drum team. They are so beautiful, and I love the message they convey—Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. I believe this is beneficial for everyone.”

Speech pathologist Gail Robinson received some informational materials and remarked, “The Falun Dafa parade team is beautiful. I love their costumes and music.” She added, “I really like them. They give off a feeling of kindness, peace, comfort, and sweetness.”

Speech pathologist Gail Robinson (left) was happy to see Falun Dafa practitioners in the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade.