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Downtown Just Got Really Colorful … And Furry, As Anthrocon Kicks Off For 12th Year In Pittsburgh

Credit Ally Ruggieri / 90.5 WESA
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90.5 WESA
A banner welcoming visitors to the Con hangs on the front wall of the David Lawrence Convention Center

For the 12th year, furries have descended on Pittsburgh for the annual Anthrocon at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

This year’s theme is: “Take me out to the Ballgame” and runs through Sunday.

It’s considered one of the largest furry conventions in the world and organizers estimated that about 8,000 people are taking part this year. 

All weekend, Pittsburghers can expect to see colorful anthropomorphic suits adorning its sidewalks, as well as locals posing for pictures and photographs.

Although furries are often seen donning their fursuits around Downtown, they can be quite private. Just two years ago, though, Anthrocon organizers decided to make their big parade public, strutting around the convention center and inviting onlookers to watch. 

This year marks the 21st year for Anthrocon, which has previously been held in Albany, N.Y. and Philadelphia. But after the preferred hotel near King of Prussia was sold to Target, organizers moved the event to the Steel City, now considered the group's "Mordor."