(Minghui.org) The city of Oceanside, in northern San Diego County, hosted a grand parade and street fair on June 27, 2026, to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Falun Dafa practitioners from San Diego participated in the festivities by presenting a traditional waist-drum performance. At the start of the Falun Gong procession were banners bearing messages like “Return to Tradition” and “Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance.”

After the parade, practitioners talked with local residents at the street fair about the benefits of the practice, and raised awareness about the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong. They also collected signatures in support of the Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act (S. 4009), a bill currently under consideration by the U.S. Senate.

Falun Gong practitioners from San Diego participated in the Independence Day parade at Oceanside on June 27, 2026. (Minghui.org)

Falun Gong Conveyed a Wonderful Message

Tony Potts was at the event with his wife and company co-founder Shalini Vadhera. Potts said that he attends the parade every year, but this was the first time he had seen the Falun Gong contingent, and he was deeply impressed. Potts is an Emmy Award-winning producer and former media executive.

Potts remarked that the practitioners “brought a unique character to the parade,” and “they conveyed a wonderful message—one that is beneficial to us, to the world, and at all times.” He added, “Although I hadn’t expected to see a group like this, I really loved it; they were fantastic. I took photos and videos, and I want to learn more about them.”

Vadhera was also moved by the Falun Dafa procession, and commented, “What a beautiful message they’re sharing: Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance! I feel our world today is in great need of this.”

Veteran Erin Dragon shared her appreciation too. “Their costumes are beautiful, and their banners are beautiful as well,” she said. “I love the message on their banners about returning to tradition. They have smiles on their faces and look so happy, sharing their beliefs with such sincerity. I think it’s wonderful.”

Falun Dafa Brings a Different Culture to the Community

Monterey residents Noreen Alghannudi and Irma Robinson were sitting at a street-side table at a restaurant, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Both said they were deeply impressed by the Falun Gong procession.

Alghannudi said, “They show us how we can be relaxed and peaceful, which would make our society more productive, instead of everyone seeming angry. Meditation is a good thing. I like seeing them here. This also reflects our social diversity, and allows us to know more about the community.”

Robinson agreed, and thanked Falun Gong for bringing another culture to the community. “We all have different cultures and traditions, and these should be respected,” she said. She particularly enjoyed the waist drum troupe, adding, “It was outstanding! It was so vibrant, yet it also made me feel very relaxed. You could see the grace and ease in their movements. I thought it was wonderful.”

Local resident Caran has watched the parade for years, but this was the first time she had seen Falun Dafa there. “I especially appreciate the wonderful message they convey—peace, tolerance, and hope,” she said.

Visitors Appreciate the Practitioners’ Efforts to Expose the Persecution

A resident signing a petition at the street fair after the parade. (Minghui.org)

Falun Gong practitioners spoke with numerous visitors at the street fair after the parade. After talking about the CCP’s persecution of the spiritual practice, local resident Mark Peterson and his wife signed the petition in support of the Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act (S. 4009). Mr. Peterson said that he had visited the Art of Zhen Shan Ren Exhibition at Balboa Park in San Diego. He expressed his deep appreciation for the practitioners’ tireless efforts to raise awareness and expose the persecution.

“They have done a tremendous amount of work—it’s amazing. I’ve seen their art exhibition, and it was truly an eye-opener,” he commented. “They have done an excellent job of spreading this information.”

Cindy Kaplan and her friend also signed the petition. Both had watched the morning parade, and thoroughly enjoyed the Falun Gong contingent. “It was wonderful to see them smiling and radiating such positive energy during the parade,” she said.

Neither had previously heard of Falun Gong, so they went online and thought the practice “looked very good.” They found out more while talking to practitioners, including about the persecution, which prompted them to sign the petition urging California’s U.S. Senators to support Senate bill S. 4009.