Thousands of anthropomorphics, nicknamed furries, endured sweltering temperatures Thursday to kick off the 2024 Pittsburgh Anthrocon at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
The four-day convention running through Sunday is expected to be the largest to date, with more than 15,000 furries from around the globe enjoying activities that include a parade, a block party, river cruises, meet-ups, stage performances and panel discussions.
Furry first-timer Calypso from Arizona wore a custom bright-blue fursuit for the occasion.
“It’s been great so far with everyone being so friendly. This is my first time public suiting, and it’s inspired by a bottle of lemonade,” said Calypso, 17.
Wiping the sweat away during a hydration break, Calypso said her mom is making her drink lots of water and cool off in air-conditioned break rooms.
Earlier outside the convention center, medics responded to a suited-up furry that collapsed from the heat amid 90-degree temperatures.
Many attendees talked about the incident and stressed the need to drink lots of water during the event. Some use mini-fans inside their suits in an effort to stay cool.
Giant hydration stations have been set up inside the convention center, complete with extra-long straws for those in fursuits to easily drink from.
“It’s so hot inside the suit. The second-hardest thing is the vision — you have to look around a lot to see,” Calypso said.
Brett Cumming, a first-time furry conventioner visiting from Sterling, Mass., waited in a long line to register with friends.
His fursona is a professionally created lynx named Clay.
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Cumming said he spent $3,000 on his partial fursuit.
“I have no regrets, and it’s the best thing I’ve done,” said Cumming, 25. “I especially like cats.”
He aspires to get a full suit one day, but that costs even more money.
His friend, a welder, created a do-it-yourself partial suit by welding pieces together and spent only about $200.
There were fewer full-body fursuits about Thursday because of the heat, and many attendees carried their costume pieces.
The fursuits ran the gamut from cute and cuddly to cool and crazy.
One furry outfitted their suit with multiple speakers to blast music.
Sydney Harding (aka Abzu) of Ontario, Canada, took in the sights of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District after completing registration.
Harding works as a professional fursuit artist.
“It’s a very fun job to have,” Harding said.
“This is my third Anthrocon. I like that Pittsburgh is very involved with the event,” Harding said. “It makes us feel like we belong here, whereas a lot of other cons tend to be on the outskirts near the airport — and it’s really welcoming here. I think the kids really get excited.”
Starlight from Philadelphia stood out in a striking black cat/Japanese candy-themed full fursuit.
“I really enjoy this community. It’s really creative, and it’s like an art form,” Starlight said. “I love seeing everyone having a great time. It’s my third time here.”
The convention is expected to pump more than $17 million in visitor spending into Pittsburgh.
2024 Anthrocon participants l-r; Basil, Lucien and Starlight check in Thursday in Pittsburgh. @TribLIVE @VNDNews pic.twitter.com/ypGxSaWFA2
— Reporter Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) July 4, 2024
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com