(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Port Jervis on March 1, 2026. Despite the cold, local residents seemed to really enjoy the event. They applauded Falun Dafa practitioners’ performances, which included Taiko drumming, celestial maidens dancing, waist drums, and the Falun Dafa exercise demonstration.
Practitioners participated in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Port Jervis on March 1.
Located at the tri-state border of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Port Jervis is also known as the “Gateway to the Upper Delaware.” Elected officials, community leaders, and local residents thanked Falun Dafa practitioners for their contribution to the community.
Falun Dafa practitioners took a group photo with police chief William Worden (center, in the white shirt)
William Worden, who has been the Port Jervis police chief for 30 years, said he noticed there were more spectators and more diverse groups participating in the parade this year. He said Falun Dafa practitioners have become part of the community. He was especially impressed by the drum performance.
Matamoras Mayor Cory Homer
Cory Homer, mayor of Matamoras, PA, which is located across the Delaware River, said he and his daughter were excited to celebrate with the community. They thought drumming was always great and so were the dancers. He thanked practitioners for all their hard work—from practicing to planning and coordination—because, as he said, everyone, old and young, liked their performances.
Laura Myer, Tourism Board Chairwoman and Parade Coordinator, also commended the practitioners for their fabulous presentation: “The performance is great, and I like the teamwork.”
Community leaders Nancy Dunn and her husband Hank Dunn, a retired police officer
Nancy Dunn and her husband Hank Dunn are community leaders. They were grand marshals in the parade in the past, and they attend the popular event every year. They were impressed by the skill of the young practitioners who played the Taiko drums. Nancy said the exercise demonstration was very peaceful and an excellent component of the parade.
Sophia Bronwyn, who practices Falun Dafa, teaches at a local school. Proud of her Irish heritage, she enjoys participating in this event. “I began practicing Falun Dafa in 1999, and I’ve gained so much—my health and moral character improved,” she explained. “That’s why I’m always delighted to share the practice with the community. I’ve joined this parade for a couple of years, and the applause always warms my heart.”
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