SAN BRUNO, Calif.—The customary sirens announced the start of the 76th annual Posy Parade on a brilliantly sunny morning in San Bruno, Calif. on June 5.
Close to 10,000 people attended the celebration, which is put on each year by the San Bruno Lion’s Club in celebration of the children of San Bruno. In addition to the parade, this year saw the addition of a big community festival in the park, complete with rides, a stage with music and bands, and a car show.
“We donate this parade to the entire city,” said Mel Phillips, chairman of the San Bruno Lion’s Club. “The purpose of this parade has always been to honor the children of San Bruno.”
“This is a great community event; it’s all about family,” said Congresswoman Jackie Speier. She advised everyone, “Enjoy your family and have some fun. School’s over; you’ve worked really hard. Now have some fun!”
Spectators enjoyed the many floats and three marching bands hosted by the parade. The Capuchino High School and Parkside Intermediate School Marching Bands were joined for the first time by the West Divine Land Marching Band, which performs all-original music scores and has traveled across the western United States to take part in community parades.
In addition to practicing music, each Divine Land Marching Band member is a practitioner of the Chinese spiritual discipline Falun Dafa, which is based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
Phillips was very impressed with the Divine Land Marching Band.
“They did such a terrific job. I am so happy they were here with us today. I hope they will be back next year,” Phillips said.
Peter Johnson, owner of the martial arts school Dojo USA, participates in the parade every year with his students.
“We have fun every year; it’s such a great event,” Johnson said.
He loved the addition of the bands this year. “When the bands were playing, everyone was clapping and cheering. It was just such a fun time. The Divine Land Marching Band was outstanding. The way they moved and played—it was just great,” he said.
“It was so much fun!” said Alexandria Lincoln, who walked to the parade with her daughter Veda. “This was her first parade, and she had such an awesome time.”
