The number of participants in the parade will be limited, and as such, all participants must be pre-approved. You must either wear or bring the costume that you intend to wear in the parade, or alternatively a photo that shows all elements of the costume, to the registration point outside of
Room 309 on Friday between 3 pm and 9 pm, or on Saturday from 9 am until 12 pm. We cannot register any participants after 12 pm on Saturday.
Parade Rules
- All participants must have a costume that is “anthropomorphic” in nature. The parade is not for general cosplay. (i.e. the addition of ears to existing costume armor does not qualify for participation in the parade.)
- Full-body fursuits are encouraged. Partial fursuits must incorporate additional elements in addition to a head, hands, and (optional) tail (these at the wearer’s discretion based upon their interpretation of the species/character). Examples include: footpaws, sleeves or leggings, or other costume features that define the character. No human skin should be showing. All clothing and costume elements must conform to the Anthrocon Standards of Conduct.
- Handlers will be permitted to assist with the donning and preparation of a costume in the staging area; however, handlers will not be permitted to walk in the parade. Exceptions will be made for handlers who are assisting performers with mobility challenges and participants under the age of 13 who need a parent or guardian to accompany them.
- Due to the nature of the parade lineup area, the presence of escalators on the parade route, and other aspects of the parade, Anthrocon strongly recommends that fursuiters whose costume design requires a handler (i.e. an oversized or overly bulky suit) should opt to participate in the Block Party as an alternative to the parade.
- Even if a costume has been pre-approved, any costume that is determined not to meet these standards at parade time will not be allowed to participate.
- Any elements that are in violation of our standards of contact (examples: tactical gear, fetish wear, etc.) are not permitted in the parade. Individuals causing disruption or interference with parade operations may be refused participation as well as face revocation of convention membership.
- All fursuiters must hydrate before the fursuit parade. It’s for your own safety!
- No stopping in the parade route - we require fursuiters to continue moving in the parade except in case of emergency. Staff and volunteers are positioned along the route should you require assistance.
- No flags are allowed, as they obstruct other fursuiters in the parade.
- People with ADA accessibility needs or young children are permitted handlers.
- No photography or video is allowed inside the lineup area. This includes selfies whether handheld or on selfie-stick.
We understand that these changes may not be universally popular and we want our attendees to know that these decisions were not made lightly. As both the convention and parade reach unprecedented levels of attendance and participation, it has become necessary to implement these new rules to keep the parade safe for all attendees. We are confident that the Fursuit Parade and Block Party will continue to provide a unique and wonderful experience for Anthrocon attendees and Pittsburgh citizens alike.
