Furries Aim to Break Guinness World Record
Anthrocon attendees will attempt to set the record for the world’s largest fursuit parade at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Photo courtesy of Anthrocon
It’s one small step for fur, one giant leap for furkind. On Saturday, thousands of “Furries” will gather at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to break the Guinness World Record for largest fursuit parade.
More than 5,500 enthusiasts are expected to attend the 2013 Anthrocon Annual Convention tomorrow through Sunday. This is the eighth consecutive year that Pittsburgh has hosted the event, which celebrates the subculture of those passionate about anthropomorphic animals, some of whom love to dress up in furry gear.
It’s a bit of a curious decision for the fur-clad masses to descend on one of the most humid cities in America during its most humid month, but perhaps they chose us because we’re so accepting.
For all the online chiding and real-life eye-rolling the Furries endure, the convention brings a surprising amount of money to the region. VisitPittsburgh estimates that Anthrocon has brought more than $25 million in direct spending to the region since 2006 and raised more than $140,000 for animal-related charities.
Plus, it’s arguably more family-friendly than the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As our own PittGirl found out last year, the Furries are pretty cool cats.
#Props: Shadyside home featured in Dwell magazine
Dwell magazine recently featured the incredible transformation of a Shadyside home. Googler Jeff Walz turned the 140-year-old farmhouse into a striking recycled steel-and-glass structure that celebrates Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage.
Read how a drunken napkin sketch titled “Villa Jeff” turned into one of the most unique homes in the city.
P.S. We don’t care how many Steelers trinkets you have in your basement. This is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Pittsburgh Man Caves.
#Bets: We lost a bet. We love Boston.
During the NHL’s Eastern Conference finals, we made a bet with our friends at Boston magazine. Unfortunately, the Penguins were swept by the Bruins. Fortunately, the bet went toward a good cause. Here’s our staff posing with Boston’s incredible May cover poster.
You can get your own here. Proceeds benefit The One Fund-Boston.
What’s going on tonight?
- Rivers Casino will be hosting Beatlemania Magic tonight at the amphitheater. This night of Beatles tributes is free to the public. — 7 p.m.
- Kick off the July Fourth weekend with “Living in America” at brillobox. Hear jams from the funkiest cities across the nation at this 21-and-up event. — Doors at 9:30 p.m.
- Visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ front lawn before 6:30 today to stock your kitchen with fresh, organic and certified natural produce for tomorrow’s celebrations. — 6:30 p.m. (or sooner)
