(Minghui.org) The annual Yarmouth Clam Festival was held on July 17, 2026, in Yarmouth, Maine. The waist drum troupe, made up of Falun Dafa practitioners, were invited to join the inaugural parade, receiving warm welcome and praise from the spectators.

Falun Dafa practitioners’ waist drum troupe participates in the inaugural parade of the Yarmouth Clam Festival on July 17, 2026. (Minghui.org)

Yarmouth, Maine, a Charming New England Coastal Town

Maine is located at the northeastern tip of the United States, occupying the northernmost corner of the New England region. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Canada to the northwest and northeast, and New Hampshire to the west, the state is renowned for its extensive coastline, rocky landscapes, and dense forests. Situated at the northernmost point of the contiguous United States, Maine experiences harsh winters but transforms into a popular retreat during summer, attracting a significant seasonal population.

Yarmouth is a charming New England coastal town located just a 15-minute drive north of Portland, Maine’s largest city. The town has preserved many historic buildings with a pastoral aesthetic and features the Yarmouth History Center, where visitors can explore local heritage. Its scenic coastline offers the perfect setting for strolling along winding shores, exploring tidal pools, and admiring views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Yarmouth is famous for hosting the Yarmouth Clam Festival, an event that draws large crowds eager to experience local culture and the festival’s opening parade is one of Maine’s most emblematic and beloved community events, attracting thousands of residents and visitors who line the streets to watch. It has become one of the most anticipated festival parades of the New England summer.

Falun Dafa Brings Hope and a Festive Spirit

The waist drum troupe, which is formed by Falun Dafa practitioners from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine, were invited to join the parade. When the practitioners played the songs Falun Dafa Is Good and Festive Celebration as they marched on slowly, the pure energy from Falun Dafa attracted many spectators, who responded enthusiastically with their applause.

Many spectators followed the beat to wave and cheer, and some even followed the music and shouted “Dafa is good, good, good.” The atmosphere was joyful and spirited, showcasing the sense of peace and festivity brought by the Falun Dafa contingent. People experienced beauty and hope firsthand, and consequently warmly welcomed and highly appreciated Falun Dafa.

The waist drum troupe in the parade. The youngest member of the group is four and a half  and the oldest is almost 80. (Minghui.org)

This parade covered a total distance of 1.5 miles and lasted just over an hour. The youngest drummer was only four and a half. This little girl played with graceful movements and despite her tender age, kept drumming steadily throughout the entire procession, a feat that delighted the onlookers.

Meanwhile, the oldest member of the troupe, nearing 80 years old, remained full of energy and also played until the very end. They not only shared the cultural charm of the traditional waist drum troupe with the spectators, but also perfectly embodied the positive, vibrant, and persevering spirit of Falun Dafa practitioners.