Pittsburgh has become the mecca for Anthrocon, better known as the Furry convention, one of the most popular conventions in Pittsburgh, and they're making a return this weekend.
Visit Pittsburgh's President and CEO Jerad Bachar says it's become a phenomenon in this region.
“There coming back in a big way,” said Bachar. “This year, it’s going to be a close record attendance for them as well. They’ll have close to 13,000 people that will come in for that event or for that weekend.”
The furries also bring their wallets, taking up 16 downtown hotels and spending over $10 million at Pittsburgh businesses.
Anthrocon is being Thursday through Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
The theme of this year’s con is “Anthropolis, Our Furry City.”
Some of the events are the popular, outdoor “Fursuit Parade” and the Anthrocon block party.
On Saturday morning Penn Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9th Street to 11th Street beginning at 9 a.m. 10th Street between Ft. Duquesne and Penn Ave will also be closed starting at 9 a.m. but will reopen at 5 p.m.
There is also going to be a car show featuring classic and antique automobiles under the Convention Center on July 1 beginning at 5.
A children’s art show and competition is being held. Winners 12 and under will get a $100 Amazon gift card and kids age 13-18 will get an educational grant worth $1,000.
Being a furry is not a mainstream hobby, but John Cole tells Paul Zeise that Pittsburgh the home for Anthrocon because of the warm welcome they feel every time they visit.