15,500 furries expected to generate $17.4 million in direct visitor spending in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH ― Anthrocon, more generally known as the annual furry convention, returns to the David Lawrence Convention Center on July 4-7. 

VisitPITTSBURGH announced Thursday that Anthrocon is expected to bring record-breaking attendance and economic impact to Pittsburgh.

“With more than 15,500 furries expected to take on the city, the annual furry convention is anticipated to result in approximately $17.4 million in direct visitor spending, a press release from Pittsburgh’s tourism agency said.

Fursuiters, people who celebrate anthropomorphics, which are human-like animal characters, dress in head-to-toe furry attire.

“Each year, we have the privilege of working with the event organizers to establish strong community connections and partnerships that leave a significant and lasting impact on our city,” Andy Ortale, chief salesofficer at VisitPITTSBURGH, said. “And this year, there are several events on the docket that standto make Anthrocon 2024 bigger and better.”

Attendees are booked across 22 partner hotels, with six shuttle routes facilitating travel to thedowntown Pittsburgh convention center.

Over the four-day event span, attendees will explore the city by foot and partake in Anthrocon’s line-up of community events in and around Downtown, such as:

• Market Square Musicians: The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has invited musicians attending Anthrocon to perform on July 4 during the lunchtime concerts in Market Square.
• Anthrocon Block Party: On July 6, will take over Penn Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets from noon through the evening, encouraging attendees to meet with downtown businesses and the community. Nearby restaurants and attractions are encouraged to display signage that invites the fursuiters to stop in.
• The Fursuit Parade: More than 5,000 people are expected to line the street July 6 for a world record-setting event. The Fursuit Parade begins at 2 p.m. on 10th Street near Fort Duquesne Boulevard, proceeding south along 10th Street and routing back to the convention center.
• Harris Theater Screening: A special screening 4 p.m. July 6 of the Don Bluth animated film classic “The Secret of N.I.M.H.” co-presented by Anthrocon. Tickets can be purchased via the Culture Trust at trustarts.org.
• Community Events: Anthrocon has partnered with several local businesses, including the Carnegie Science Center and Gateway Clipper, to provide special offerings toconvention-goers.

Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A mission to bless families one miracle at a time began 15 years ago when the Smith family from Erie had twins at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. 

Gianna and her brother Grady came 14 weeks early, weighing only two pounds. Grady lived for 52 hours.  After he passed, Gianna’s condition deteriorated and doctors told them to prepare for another funeral.  But then, a miracle happened, according to dad Ryan. 

“And we said, ‘man, what an awesome way to tell Gianna’s story of making it through the NICU journey, but let’s honor Grady and his life, and let’s take both of these stories and let’s help one baby at a time,’” he said.   

Ryan and his wife received support from people in Pittsburgh during their stay in the city.  And the family pledged to pay it forward, creating the nonprofit organization Grady’s Decision. They provide emotional, financial and spiritual support for families with babies in the NICU and families who have babies with special medical needs. From transportation to lodging, to meals and other resources, the nonprofit has already served 3,500 families in northwestern Pennsylvania. 

“Fifteen years ago right here in Pittsburgh, we started our journey,” said Smith. “So excited that we’re launching that same mission that we do in northwestern Pennsylvania right here in Pittsburgh.”  

Mosaic Wealth Consulting just adopted the nonprofit as its charity partner, holding a client appreciation event as a fundraiser on The Gateway Clipper. Niki Mullinix, an advisor with Astyr Wealth, was a NICU mom herself 12 years ago, and felt the love and support from Grady’s Decision. She pledged to one day help to expand its outreach in Pittsburgh.

“And this is our time! So when we decided, as a team, to adopt Grady’s as a charity, it goes a long way in my heart because Grady’s was actually there for me in my time of need,” Mullinix said. 

Smith says the name of the organization comes from a place of heartbreak that turned into hope and healing for others.

“We thought it was our decision to let Grady go. Years later we would realize it was always Grady’s decision to go to heaven so so many other people could be loved,” Smith said.

You can learn more about the campaign at gradysdecision.com.