Insider's Guide to Anthrocon with Manicknux

Pittsburgh and Anthrocon go together hand and paw

Every summer, thousands of anthropomorphics swell the city with their ranks for a four day convention called Anthrocon, complete with a parade and block party downtown.

Despite being a great photo op and and an event the city loves to talk about, I wanted to dig deeper! So, I sat down with long-time attendee and now Anthrocon staff member Manicknux to see what Anthrocon is really about, and what makes Pittsburgh the perfect spot for the premier furry convention.

Meet Manick

Back in 2001, Manicknux was trying to figure out their place in the world. They always wanted to be a performer and do more as an accomplished singer and found an outlet for those talents in the anthropomorphic community.

Drawing from an animated cat character and combining heavily with other influences, their unique fursuit character was born: a joyous, striped orange tabby with signature round glasses often seen behind the wheel of a Model T Ford.

But there's more to it than that. Not only is this character a representation of Manick's likes and interests, it aims for something more. As Manick put it, "this character is an ideal, aspirational self. This personality is where I want to reach for."

Attending Their First Anthrocon

Fast forward to 2007, and Manick was ready to take the next step and attend their first Anthrocon right here in Pittsburgh. Although they went alone, the experience had a transformative effect and quickly converted Manick into an attendee for life.

They instantly felt welcomed, describing in an almost dreamlike way how they built lifelong friendships and found their place in the world in just the first day. And that experience is something anyone could have. It's Manick's hope that if you're reading this or plan on attending, it will help you realize the beauty of the other, improving your own worldview in the process.

Pictured |
L to R: Sebastian, Manick's Other Character Victor, and Saunder during the 2019 Art Festival
Pictured |
L to R: Sebastian, Manick's Other Character Victor, and Saunder during the 2019 Art Festival

Community, Creativity and Technology

Anthrocon is so successful at building community not only by having high-energy dance panels and performances, but by activating and supporting what their attendees thrive on creatively. Fursuiters come from a unique mix of art, theatre, writing and science backgrounds and Anthrocon's convention panels and setup ensure their needs are met.

A massive section of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center during the con is comprised of art and artists. The Dealers Room features hundreds of vendors selling their creations from printed pieces to soaps, cosplay items, books and ceramics. Next to this space is Artists Alley, a space for artists to show off their work and find future commissions.

What surprised me most about this community is how much science and technology is woven into everything they do. Manick shared that a large percentage of the anthropomorphic community comes from STEM backgrounds. Panels throughout the con are tech-infused including a panel on how to 3-D print a fursuit head, but you can see this prowess on Twitch daily. Manick himself is part of the VTuber community, which uses a digitized representation of the streamer which emotes as the streamer games or plays videos for their audience.

Pictured |
Dealer's Den of artists circa 2007/2008
Pictured |
Dealer's Den of artists circa 2007/2008
Screenshot from the Manicknux stream, with anthropomorphized avatars on the left and right narrating the action. Screenshot courtesy of VTuber Notch Rhino

Tips for First-Timers

Manick found so much community and belonging by attending Anthrocon, and now they want others to have that same experience! They shared these top tips for attending your first Anthrocon:

  1. Bring a Friend. Going alone is fine, but finding a friend to pal around with can help you feel more comfortable and take in the con even better.
  2. Keep your schedule open. There's so much going on, it can be tempting to pack each minute with events. Instead, Manick says to plan a few major things you know you want to attend, then leave the rest of the day open for the experiences that just happen.
  3. Don't be afraid to leave the convention. There's a ton to see in Pittsburgh, so make it a point to leave the convention and try to head up to Mt. Washington, tour a stadium and see other city highlights while you're here.
  4. Explore Pittsburgh businesses. Local shops, bars and restaurants are extremely welcoming to furries, and many will have specials and other exclusives all weekend long.

via GIPHY

The attention, love and appreciation the city gives us is unlike any other.
-Manick

Other Events

If you're a local who is just getting into the scene for the first time, consider two smaller local events to meet fellow anthropomorphics. The Western Pennsylvania Furry Weekend meets at North Park Lodge each October, and the Pittsburgh FurBowl takes over Mt. Lebanon AMF once a month for a night of bowling and karaoke fun. It comes as no surprise that Manick helps with not only these but similar events throughout the country, building community wherever he goes.

The Future of Anthrocon

When an event builds lifelong connections like Anthrocon, the impact that attendees have on Pittsburgh and the country don't stop after the four-day weekend.

First is continuing the connections you make at Anthrocon and protecting their community. You'll find attendees engaged with activism throughout the country, especially fighting against disenfranchisement of the LGBTQIA+ community, autism community and other groups.

Second is charity. Anthrocon itself has a featured charity each year, complete with an auction and raffles, but you'll also find furries helping with Stuff a Bus campaigns and a variety of other charitable ventures. Manick notes that no matter what event they're planning, the focus remains on the charitable end and to use the event to be able to help others.

I want to thank Manicknux for taking me beyond the fursuit and helping me to understand what this event means to Pittsburgh and the impact it has had on tens of thousands since its inception.

We want you to feel as home as we do.
-Manick

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Jared B.

Author

Jared B.

Enthusiastic Pittsburgher

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.

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