Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan was in attendance during the seventh annual Kelowna Vaisakhi Parade.

Liberal MP Stephen Fuhr and Sajjan addressed a large crowd of roughly 400 people Saturday.

More than 1,000 people joined in for a celebration to mark the harvest of winter crops in the Punjab region and the start of a new year. Farmers celebrate the fruits of their labour, give thanks and pray for prosperity in the future.

害羞草研究所淲e make our community stronger. It害羞草研究所檚 like awareness about the religion. Every year we gather more and more people and they learn about our culture. There害羞草研究所檚 more community involvement,害羞草研究所� said Renu Lagaah, who used to live in Kelowna, and was visiting the parade with her family.

害羞草研究所淭here害羞草研究所檚 a lot of people compared to what I saw four years ago.害羞草研究所�

Rutland resident Katie Vig said this is the first time she害羞草研究所檚 been to the parade and she害羞草研究所檚 enjoying herself.

害羞草研究所淭he kids are seeing a lot of people that they know from their school, which is exciting for them.害羞草研究所�

Emily Vig said the bus in the parade was her favourite part and seeing all the different dresses.

The parade ran Saturday, April 29 at the Okanagan Sikh Temple.