Here is another Anthrocon article, dated July 3, in the Beaver County Times:
http://www.timesonline.com/entertainment/local_entertainment/the-furries-return-to-pittsburgh/article_057166b4-e2cb-5ffb-a10c-8eefbf74968d.html
PITTSBURGH -- One of the freedoms to be celebrated this Fourth of July weekend is the ability to parade around in a furry costume with numerous others who enjoy that activity.
That's what you'll find Thursday through Sunday at Anthrocon, the world’s largest convention for artists, animators, costumers, puppeteers and fans fascinated with animal characters. Returning to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, this year's Anthrocon conference, also known as "The Furries," is expected to draw 5,600 participants, which would make it the biggest one yet.
The highlight will be Saturday, around 2 p.m., when upwards of 1,100 attendees in full head-to-foot costumes ("fursuits") will gather for a photo op and a parade through the convention center.
Registration is available online at anthrocon.org/registration or in person, costing $30 for a one-day pass and $60 for multi-day access.
As the Anthrocon website says, "Membership is open to any and all who like to imagine what it would be like if animals could walk and talk as we do -- and no, you do not have to wear a costume to attend."
There will be workshops, panel discussions, an art exhibition, and the largest dealers' room of its kind. Visitors can meet honored voice actor guests Jim Cummings (Tigger from "Winnie the Pooh"/Ed the Hyena from "The Lion King") and Lee Tockar ("My Little Pony"/"Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog").
Many fursuited attendees are expected to venture outside Friday night to watch the July 4 fireworks "as Anthrocon once again turns the whole of downtown Pittsburgh into a furry metropolis," according to the event's website.
With participants ranging in age from 1 to 85, the conference will generate an estimated $7 million in direct spending to Pittsburgh's economy, according to VisitPittsburgh, the region's official tourism marketing and promotion agency.
Since its first convention here in 2006, Anthrocon has contributed more than $34 million in direct spending, VisitPittsburgh said.
Anthrocon also has raised more than $100,000 for local charities. This year’s charity is the National Aviary.