Anthrocon to return to Pittsburgh for annual convention
The furries are returning to the ’Burgh — and in greater numbers.
After missing the past two years because of the pandemic, the annual Anthrocon Convention will be June 30 to July 3 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
“We’ve had to expand to an 11th hotel,” said John “K.P.” Cole, public outreach director for the convention, who lives in Orlando, Fla. “In 2019, there were 9,358 attendees. We are looking at more than 10,000 this year.”
The event celebrates anthropomorphics, which are human-like animal characters. It brings together people who are artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers and fans who enjoy cartoon animals.
Most of the suits are in the $3,500 to $6,500 price range but can cost a lot more.
They are works of art, said Cole, whose character is a puppy dog, adding that it makes him more outgoing.
“He is my inner child,” Cole said.
According to Cole, Pittsburgh feels like home because the city is welcoming and there are so many things to do, from Pirates games to museums to dining and shopping destinations.
People attend from all over the world. The convention has been taking place here since 2006.
“The first time we toured Pittsburgh, we were blown away by this city,” Cole said. “We came through that tunnel and saw a magnificent, dramatic downtown. This is definitely Mister Rogers’ neighborhood.”
It is a city that appreciates artists and their work, Cole said.
“The return of conventions, especially ones as unique as Anthrocon, are fantastic for Downtown,” said Richard Hooper, vice president of marketing and communications for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “Interesting events bring added energy and excitement to our streets and help to support many local businesses.”
Susan Klein, chief marketing officer for VisitPittsburgh, said with people traveling once again, she is happy the furries are returning.
“We welcome them because they are a joyous event,” Klein said. “They spill out into the Downtown area, and they lift peoples’ spirits. They are fun. The city rolls out the red carpet for them.”
We hope you're as excited for our new #Anthrocon Block Party happening this year, which will run all day long on Penn Avenue! ????????
Find out more details on our website! https://t.co/RxW166Djbi
Photo: https://t.co/2fv6ABeIWF pic.twitter.com/P5pT0zZEmr
— #Anthrocon, Inc. (@anthrocon) May 28, 2022
New this year is the Anthrocon Block Party from noon to 9 p.m. July 2 on Penn Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets. The fursuit parade will be at 2 p.m. July 2 and will finish at the block party.
Related:
• From 2019: Furries feel the love from Pittsburghers as Anthrocon begins
Every year, the convention supports a charity. This year, it is Wildlife Works Inc. in Youngwood. It is a nonprofit organization serving Westmoreland County and surrounding areas dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of distressed wildlife and the preservation of native species, habitats and the environment.
Klein said the convention — along with the recent Pride Parade, the Pittsburgh Marathon, the Arts Festival and this weekend’s Juneteenth — represents that the city is back to hosting big events.
“(The furries) bring energy and their wallets to the city of Pittsburgh,” Klein said. “They shop and dine here. You can’t miss them. They are a group of fun-loving people. They haven’t been together in years. I love to see them here.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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