PRIDE exploded onto the Lawrence scene this year by doubling in size and stretching out to the other end of Mass St. After an art fair at VIBE, Lucia hosted Cuee and Kay V, VCMN, and drag queens Ms. Eda Bull and Rose Champagne. Over at the Granada, Lawrence experienced what may have been its first tussle with ballroom thanks to the party procurer Fatha Ambrosia. The Skittles mini-ball brought regional legends and stars to the stage, while giving locals a chance to walk certain categories, such as “Face” and “Virgin Vogue.” The one binding factor among all the events on the first night of PRIDE is that it highlighted black culture and allowed Lawrence to experience black excellence at its most artistic.

Day 2 continues Saturday with a parade (march) down Mass St. and party at Abe and Jake’s.