Be ready, folks, because raccoons, squirrels, and other furry animals are going to take over the town of Pittsburg soon. Every summer, anthropomorphic people dressed in animal characters come to Pittsburg from various places around the globe. This group of people consists of artists, animators, writers, customers, puppeteers, and anyone who loves cartoon animals.
This weekend, instead of meeting at Kaufmann’s Clock, people in Pittsburg will have a new designated meeting spot called “Anthrocon Avenue and Furry Way.”
The intersection of Penn Avenue and 10th Street in Downtown Pittsburg has been renamed to honor the annual Anthrocon convention held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
From Thursday to Sunday, the four-day event is going to host vibrant and colorful workshops, lectures, parades, and a fun-filled block party. The attendees, who are also called the “furries,” wear “fursuits” and have been arriving since Monday.
Jerad Bachar, the president, and CEO VisitPittsburgh, expressed his excitement to have Anthrocon back via email. He mentioned that they are expecting 13,000 participants, which is a 30% increase from last year.
John “KP” Cole, the public outreach director for the convention from Orlando, Florida, described Pittsburg as a lively and inclusive city.
Also, read–Hold The Dark Ending Explained: A Cruel Story Of Human Lives And Animalistic Desires
The theme for Anthrocon’s annual convention
According to Cole, the decision to choose “Anthropolis: Our Furry City” as this year’s theme was made because the street’s names had been planned for a few years. This theme is in honor of Pittsburg, stressing the connection between the furry community and the city itself.
Coming to Pittsburg holds a special magic for many furries, claims Cole. He mentioned that they feel welcomed as soon as they arrive, whether it’s by plane or driving through the Fort Pitt tunnel. The unique and breathtaking view of the city adds to the enchanting experience.
The furry lover group has been visiting Pittsburg since 2006, but they were unable to attend in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. When they are in town, you can spot them walking around the streets. Some people wear complete fursuits, while others wear just the head, hands, or tail.
The furries are on the water too
Well, the furries are not just limited to strolling on the land, but they are also enjoying the time on the water. When they visit the city, the people, besides engaging in activities from dining and shopping, also enjoy taking boat tours on the Gateway Clipper.
According to Cole, this offers them a distinctive perspective of the city and allows them to capture photos that they wouldn’t be able to get from land.
Most of the furry visitors dress up for boat rides which gives them picturesque views of PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore. Cole mentioned that the Pittsburg skyline is particularly stunning, and seeing it from the river holds a special charm.
The boat rides also provide an opportunity for furries to bond and form friendships with others. They engage in interactions and make friends.
The cruises are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Also, read–25 Best Movies Where The Animals Are The Main Characters
The Furry Block Party/Parade
The upcoming black party will mark its second year, featuring live music from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday. As part of the festivities, certain streets will be closed between 9th and 11th streets starting from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
One highlight of the block party will be the designated chalk art area located at the intersection of Penn Avenue and 10th Street. Everyone at the block party is welcome to contribute to the event.
On Saturday at 2 p.m., a parade will take place, featuring participation from some of the furries. The parade will include a marching band consisting of approximately 10-15 furries playing musical instruments.
The parade will begin from inside the convention center and will proceed outdoors along 10th Street between Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Penn Avenue into the block party site.
Also read–World’s Funniest Animals Season 3 Episodes 1 & 2: Release Date & Streaming Guide
