(Minghui.org) Leaving the rainy days of spring behind, residents of Calgary celebrated the annual Lilac Festival on May 26, 2013. Thousands of people came out to enjoy the parade, music, and arts and crafts in downtown Calgary. Falun Dafa practitioners in Calgary participated in the festival to let the public know about the practice.
Practitioners also participated in the opening ceremony parade in their golden yellow exercise suits. Some people along the parade route gave a thumbs-up to the Falun Dafa procession, others waved, and some pressed their hands together to express their respect. Lots of people took photos.
Introducing Falun Dafa at the Calgary Lilac Festival
Practitioners demonstrated the exercises beside their booth. The elegant movements and soothing music drew many visitors, who came to ask where they could learn the exercises. One lady took a flyer and commented, “I have been thinking about learning this practice for a long time. I must find it online and read more about it.”
A steady stream of visitors came to the Falun Dafa booth to get materials. The little paper lotus flowers with Falun Dafa bookmarks dangling from them were a favorite souvenir, especially among women and children. Many Chinese parents asked if they could have a second lotus flower for their kids and said they knew the flower could bring them good fortune.
Many people already knew about Falun Dafa. They said when they saw the Falun Dafa banner from afar, they began to tell their friends, “Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.” The display boards introducing Falun Dafa also attracted many Chinese visitors. Many people from mainland China asked where and how they could quit the Chinese Communist Party and its affiliated organizations.
The visitors thanked the practitioners for bringing them information about Falun Dafa and said that they wanted to learn more about the practice.
