Preparations underway for Pittsburgh's furry convention

This year’s Anthrocon in Pittsburgh will be Eric Zawratny’s 24th furry convention.

Every summer, anthropomorphics, otherwise known as furries — people dressed as human-like animal characters — travel to Pittsburgh. The group is a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers and anyone who enjoys cartoon animals.

The festivities will run from July 4-7 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Anthrocon will include a variety of specialized events, panels, stage performances, dances, river cruises, competitions and, of course, the annual parade and block party.

Zawratny, 45, of Brighton Heights, has been attending since 2001, which was when the convention used to be in Philadelphia. The first official Pittsburgh Anthrocon was in 2006.

“It’s a really creative environment — almost everybody is some form of artist or performer or something like that,” he said.

As a digital designer and painter, Zawratny has shown his work previously at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Designing one’s fursuit and persona can be an elaborate process, he said.

Zawratny performs as Sebastian Silver Fox, and he said there are many artist options to choose from around the world when commissioning a suit.

“There (are) so many resources and tutorials for how to create the bodysuits,” he said, and he made some parts of his suit himself.

His Sebastian Silver Fox mask was made by an artist in the Czech Republic, he said.

The best part about Anthrocon for Zawratny is being surrounded by so many artists and meet people from online and social media in person.

“It’s like a great party,” he said. “You know they’re all coming to celebrate the kind of art and creativity that I like to do so much.”

Zawratny said since his first furry convention in 2001, Anthrocon has grown immensely.

“The first year I came, when I went to register, there were only like five people in line, and now (it) just like wraps around the building — it’s way, way different.”

Fursuiters flocking to the city

Fursuiters are en route to this year’s Anthrocon from six continents, according to event organizers.

John “K.P.” Cole, director of public relations/outreach for Anthrocon, said the furry convention is anticipating roughly 1,000 attendees from outside the United States. Anthrocon also has 20 staffers from outside the country.

“We are truly an international organization, and it is because people fell in love with not only our convention but the city that we have that kind of response,” he said.

Both Cole and Sam Conway, chairman and CEO of Anthrocon, agreed that the vibrant arts community and welcoming atmosphere in Pittsburgh make it a prime location for Anthrocon.

“Pittsburgh has always been a furry city,” Conway said. “I do believe we were made for each other.”

Andrew Ortale, chief sales officer at VisitPittsburgh, said he anticipates this year to be the biggest furry convention yet.

“This convention holds a special place in our hearts,” Ortale said, saying the partnership between Anthrocon and Pittsburgh has flourished over the years.

Staying safe amid the heat

Dr. Brent Rau, medical director for Allegheny General Hospital’s emergency department, cautioned fursuiters to be aware of the heat while in costume, as he’s seen cases of heat-related illnesses in years past.

“I would definitely be concerned … for those who are wanting to participate and wear full costume,” he said. “I would really, really ask that if you’re feeling overheated, you got to get that mask off your head and get cool as much as possible.”

Rau cited the extremely high temperatures Western Pennsylvania has seen the past few weeks in June.

“Participants tend to wear full and thick costumes,” he said, which are often not well-ventilated.

Fursuiters wearing masks covering their faces would be much more prone to experiencing heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses,” according to Rau.

“We’ve had patients come in in full costume,” he said. “(The costumes) can be very difficult to remove sometimes in the emergency department.”

Rau said he’s also seen cases of fursuiters overheating just from being indoors due to lack of costume ventilation.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses and heat exhaustion can include nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, fatigue and lightheadedness, according to Rau, and heat stroke could occur in serious cases.

Any neurological, cognitive or speech difficulties would be a cause to go get checked out as well, like slurred speech, confusion, or leg or arm weaknesses, he said.

“It might seem self explanatory, but the biggest thing is staying hydrated,” Rau said, as it can be easy to forget to drink water while in full costume.

Alcohol can also make possible heat symptoms worse, he said.

If any of the symptoms arise, the number one goal is to get as cool as possible by either taking fursuits off, ventilating, or using evaporative cooling tools like fans or mist, he said.

When walking to the convention from far distances, Rau strongly recommended walking without full head gear or even without any costume.

“Stay in the shade outside,” Rau said.