(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Toowoomba Grand Floral Parade, which was part of the 75th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. They were awarded the second prize in the Community Walking Group category. Several Chinese people commented, “Falun Dafa showcases the best of the Chinese community.”

The theme of this year’s parade was “It’s a Party.” With 89 participating groups, the event this year is also the largest in Toowoomba’s history and attracted over 100,000 spectators. 

Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the Toowoomba Grand Floral Parade and were welcomed by over 100,000 spectators. 

Many people applauded the Tian Guo Marching Band, dragon dance, fairy dance, and waist drum team’s performances. Banners with the messages, “Falun Dafa” and “The World Needs Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance,” attracted much attention. 

Dressed in blue and white uniforms, the Tian Guo Marching Band played “Falun Dafa,” “Triumphant Return,” “Sacred Song,” and other melodies. The uplifting music, energetic golden dragon dance, graceful celestial maidens, and waist drum performances delighted the spectators. 

Jenny Woodward, one of the parade’s announcers, told the spectators that Falun Dafa is a large group with a marching band, which began participating in the event in 1999. She said that the costumes are always superb and the performances, including the dragon dance, were always excellent. 

Another presenter, Tobi Loftus, announced that Falun Dafa is a meditation system that includes the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and five sets of gentle exercises. She remarked that the practitioners’ giant lotus flower was awesome and she was happy to see the magnificent costumes and wonderful dances. 

Peace and Energy

Lily and Matthew

Elementary school teachers Lily and Matthew drove about 180 kilometers from the Gold Coast to watch the event, and said they both thoroughly enjoyed the practitioners’ performances. Lily said the Tian Guo Marching Band’s music was uplifting, the dragon dance was extraordinary, and the waist drummers were very spirited. 

Matthew said he could feel peace and energy from the performance, and thanked practitioners for their efforts. Upon hearing that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was still persecuting Falun Dafa, Lily was surprised. She said that the CCP was known for its human rights abuse and this suppression must stop. 

Universal Values

Gokhan and his wife Toni

Gokhan and his wife Toni are engineers from New South Wales. They recently moved to Toowoomba and were excited to see the parade. 

Gokhan said he did not expect that there would be so many people and participating groups. He said Falun Dafa was the most outstanding among all groups. In particular, he liked the banner: “The world needs Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance” because he recognizes these as universal values. 

Toni agreed, and said she also felt that the Tian Guo Marching Band’s performances were the best. She said the music was well synchronized and very professional. 

Brisbane Resident Praises Falun Dafa

Oksana Zaharchuk said she enjoyed talking with Falun Dafa practitioners. 

Brisbane resident Oksana Zaharchuk said every year she drives over 100 kilometers to watch the parade. She thanked practitioners for their great performances. 

Oksana said she noticed the dragon dance from far away, and the practitioners’ costumes were eye-catching. She was glad to see the golden dragon delight people of all ages, especially children. Besides giving wonderful performances, she noticed that Falun Dafa practitioners were all very kind. She chatted with a few practitioners and had her picture taken with them.