What began in 1972 with a small picnicking of activists and a short march down Nicollet Mall grew to become a gathering eagerly anticipated by more than 300,000 GLBTs and supporters each year. Last June, despite a stifling heat wave, the 2002 Pride Festival garnered a record-high 380,000 people, who were entertained by gospel mama CeCe Peniston and dance-pop diva Amber and partook in the staple of the three-day celebration, the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade. Our Pride celebration is now the fourth largest of its kind across the United States, an astounding demonstration of community in Minnesota that makes one proud to reside here. And hey, this year's block party is roping in beloved punker Cyndi Lauper, who will no doubt remind us that we all just wanna have fun. Who could resist that?