(Clearwisdom.net) On March 13, 2004, dozens of practitioners came to the coastal city of Norfolk, Virginia and participated in the local St. Patrick's Day Parade.

In the parade, a fairy dance team and Falun Gong procession attracted a great deal of attention from local residents. Many people were talking about the procession and little children could not wait to come up to ask for information. The children especially liked the paper lotus flowers that practitioners made.

Falun Gong procession Local residents learn Falun Gong exercises Local residents learn Falun Gong exercises

On both sides of the parade route, crowds of spectators watched the parade. When they saw the Falun Gong procession, they cheered and praised its gracefulness. Many people greeted us by bowing with both hands pressed in front of their chest.

Crowds of spectators on both sides of the parade route Happy children with paper lotus flowers

The parade route was about 2 miles long (more than 3 kilometers). Many spectators accepted our flyers and even many children requested flyers. Reading the Falun Gong flyers, many local residents spoke out, "This is what I've been looking for." During the parade, over 6,000 flyers were distributed.

After the parade, the practitioners had a group practice. Seeing us teaching the exercises, one local lady rushed over and watched carefully.

One practitioner said, "Those who bowed and those who asked for Dafa information left a deep impression on me. In the future, we should participate more in similar activities, as there are many people waiting for Dafa."