(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners from ten states in the Midwestern United States held a parade in Chicago's Chinatown on July 26.

According to Ms. Liu, a member of the Falun Dafa Association of Chicago, the parade is part of an annual two-day event, during which practitioners also hold an experience sharing conference.

The flag squadron led off the parade and was followed by Tang drum performers and the waist drum troupe. The next section consisted of a float with practitioners demonstrating the exercises and holding banners reading “Falun Dafa Is Good” and “Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance.” The last section featured ending the persecution and quitting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The streets of Chinatown were filled with sounds of drums and music.

Falun Gong practitioners' parade at Chicago's Chinatown on July 26, 2014

Practitioners demonstrating the exercises on the float decorated by lotus flowers

Tang drum performers led by Chicago practitioner Mr. Lin

Lotus flower float

The parade wound through the main streets and commercial areas in the Chinatown.

A carnival was taking place in Chinatown on the same day, drawing more visitors than an average day, who also got to enjoy the practitioners' parade.

Ms. Liu said, “Our exercise demonstration float really is beautiful. The entire group is also very powerful. I believe that people who see it will be awed.”

Tina and her son, who are tourists from Minnesota, encountered Falun Gong for the first time. They thought the parade was great.

Hector, a resident near Chinatown, knew a little about Falun Gong. He believed that Falun Gong practitioners should have the freedom to practice. He felt sorry for what the practitioners are suffering under CCP rule.

The parade was a nice surprise for some Chinese tourists, as well. One man from Canton recorded the event with his cellphone, while another Chinese man watched with excitement. He clapped and shouted, “Way to go, Falun Gong! Way to go, Falun Gong!” He expressed his support for the practitioners' efforts and wish for an end to the CCP and the persecution.

Diana Hubert, a Falun Gong practitioner from Michigan, sat on the float to demonstrate the exercises for the first time. She was touched when she saw people on the sidewalks smiling at her as the float went by.

Diana said, “I think people were very happy. They were giving us smiles and cheers. I'm very happy to see them learning about Falun Gong. Such a beautiful float and parade is really a great way to learn about Dafa. I am very very touched.”