Snoqualmie is a small town in Washington State near both mountains and water. The town is located on a fertile plain 410 feet above sea level. It was known historically as, "fertile land." The residents are uncomplicated and easygoing. On August the 6th 2005, the annual Railroad Days holiday and parade were celebrated in this small town about 25 miles from Seattle. This year's celebration was different from previous ones in that Falun Gong practitioners participated for the first time.
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| People in Snoqualmie gladly learn about Dafa | Falun Gong practitioners' procession |
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| Exercise demonstration | Practitioners' procession won first prize in the Snoqualmie Railroad Days parade |
People Welcome Dafa and Present Award
As soon as the Falun Gong procession stepped off on the parade route, spectators applauded. Many people waved to the practitioner dressed as a heavenly maiden on the float and exclaimed, "Beautiful!" The waist drum team played to the accompanying music of "Falun Dafa is great" and "Jubilance." Viewers applauded warmly after each performance. When the procession passed by the reviewing stand, the host introduced Falun Gong to the spectators, explaining that it is an ancient Chinese practice based on "Truth, Compassion, Tolerance." People in 78 countries practice Falun Gong. The announcer said, "Everyone, look. The gentleman (the Western practitioner who was practising the second set of exercises) has been holding the same hand gesture for the whole parade. Can you imagine? Very good! Very impressive!"
The practitioners' float came first in the competition for floats participating in the parade.
After the parade, the practitioners went to the park to have a picnic beside a waterfall. Many people came to ask for an introductory flyer.
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| Practitioners participate in the Seafair Parade | The practitioners' waist drum team in the Seafair Parade |
Participating in the Seafair Parade in Lake City
In the evening, the practitioners drove to the north of Seattle and participated in the Seafair Parade in Lake City. It was the fifth time that practitioners participated in the parade. In front of the podium, the host introduced Falun Gong and said, "Thank you for coming! Thank you!" Among the viewers, some applauded and some acknowledged the practitioners with the thumbs up sign. After the parade, a middle-aged woman passed by the practitioners' float and said happily, "Your procession is so beautiful!"
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