Results by Google
Home See And Be Seen 

Story

Thousands Of 'Furries' Flock To Pittsburgh For Anthrocon Convention

Posted: 9:54 am EDT July 2, 2009Updated: 2:05 pm EDT July 6, 2009

The furries returned to Pittsburgh last week with the Anthrocon 2009 convention.



RAW VIDEO: Furries Cuddle, Play Ball & Cards In Pittsburgh

Anthrocon is the largest anthropomorphics convention in the world with a membership of nearly 3,000 in 2007, according to the convention’s Web site, www.anthrocon.org.

"They're animals, but they have human qualities. That's what we call anthroconarctic characters," said John Cole, program director.

Members call themselves “Furries,” and the Anthrocon convention in Pittsburgh brings together thousands of devotees of anthropomorphics from near and far, in a relaxed social atmosphere.

"The city of Pittsburgh has been so warm and welcoming. We really love coming back," said a furball canine from Chicago.

The New York Mets, who were in Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates, got to meet some of the furries up close and personal. The team stayed at the same hotel that is housing the majority of the fuzzy creatures.

Via Twitter, Mets reporter Kevin Burkhardt said, "Our hotel in Pitt is overrun by people dressed up as animals. Anthrocon? And they act as animals. I have seen it all and I am freaked out. I just took a picture with a person who was dressed like Ralph Wigam as a Beaver."

Anthropomorphic or “humanized” animals have been with us since the dawn of civilization, the Web site claims. From the gods of ancient Egypt to the advertising icons of the modern day, people of every culture have created fanciful creatures simply by imbuing animals with human traits, according to the convention's Web site.

All of the finer aspects of anthropomorphic, or more commonly, "Furry" fandom, are celebrated at the convention. Its program of events includes workshops and seminars in acting, costume-building, animation, writing, art and design, and more. It also hosts an extensive art show where the best in anthropomorphic artwork is offered for sale.

The convention ran from July 2 to July 5 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Last year, more than 3,300 attended the convention in Pittsburgh. They represented 20 countries. The biggest age group is people ages 20 to 24.

More See And Be Seen

Who Is See And Be Seen?

Carly Noel, Jessica Woiner
Carly Noel, Jessica Woiner
Jessica Fera and Carly Noel cover hot Pittsburgh events, interview celebrities and take you behind-the-scenes for See and Be Seen.

Read Carly's Bio | Read Jessica's Bio

Hot Slideshows

Credit: WPXI Viewer Joyce Lackey
More than 130 pictures were submitted and now it's time to vote for the best pet costume photo Pittsburgh! Full Story ››

View Album 1 - Vote | View Album 2 - Vote | View Album 3 - Vote

Henne Jewelers hosted the Bead for Life party, which supported efforts to fight poverty. Slideshow

Proceeds from this year’s event went to the the Hillman Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, which helps cancer patients ease the financial burden that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis in these troubled economic times. Slideshow

Actress Anne Hathaway and actor Jake Gyllenhaal were spotted outside the former Beleza Coffee Shop on Buena Vista Street in the North Side Tuesday filming the movie "Love & Other Drugs." Slideshow | Video

Channel 11's Trisha Pittman hosted the "Pittsburgh Style Fashion Gala" at the Kean Theatre to benefit St. Baranabas Charities Free Care Fund.
View Pictures

Zen Night Club in Station Square hosted Adagio Health's Bachelor Auction to benefit breast and cervical cancer efforts.
Slideshow

Some Pittsburgh Steelers got a little scared going through the Hundred Acres Manor. Then, dressed in costumes, it was their turn to scare the visitors.
Slideshow

Slideshow Archive ››

See And Be Seen Videos

Cara Sapida is a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. She brought her Chocolate-Peanut Butter Layered Cupcakes to the station for her co-workers to try. We think Cara could win the $1 million prize. Go Cara!
Watch Video
Finalists, More About Contest

Anne Hathaway was spotted filming a movie on Pittsburgh's North Side. Full Story ››


Some Pittsburgh Steelers, including Hines Ward, Jeff Reed and Matt Spaeth, got a little scared going through the Hundred Acres Manor. Then, dressed in costumes, it was their turn to scare the visitors. Watch Video

WPXI.com's Carly Noel takes you inside Nightmare at Station Scare to meet the people behind the scenes.


Watch Video
Visit Web Site
More Info

George Long of Pittsburgh appeared on "Jeopardy." WPXI.com's Carly Noel sat down with him at his home before the show aired.
Watch Video

See & Be Seen's Carly Noel takes you behind the scenes of The Scarehouse, one of America's best haunted attractions.

Watch Video
Scarehouse's Web Site

Watch as Pittsburgh Steelers walk the runway with their children, their significant others or models in a fashion show at Heinz Field.
Watch Video

We spoke with magician David Copperfield Oct. 7 about his show at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh.
Watch Video

See And Be Seen Archive »