"When does it start? When does it end?"
I'll probably add this to our FAQ since we get it every year, but for right now, since this is about the time of year that we start to get the queries:
Anthrocon's official opening ceremonies are at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 27. That is when programming begins, and it goes pretty well clear through until Sunday.
That doesn't mean that there's nothing to do before then. Thursday is the big "meet and greet" day. Registration opens in the afternoon so you can pick up your badge, and then hang out with all the folks you come to Anthrocon to see. We have our world-famous "Anthrocon Zoo" which is a big room where folks can just go and BE. Of course, if the crowds are too thick for you there, you can always arrange to meet your friends at any one of a number of places ahead of time.
Thursday evening we have a Mixer in the Zoo, and this year we're also offering some musical entertainment. There'll be more information on Thursday night's fun in the very near future.
Anthrocon's official closing ceremonies are at 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 29. There is no programming after that; however, folks are still free to hang out in the Zoo, stop by the Dead Dog Parties...and depending on how things go, we might even have a bit of music to offer that night as well.
I happen to know that KP, Anthrocon's Master of Programming, and his dedicated staff are already hard at work arranging a broad slate of activities and panel discussions and roundtables and presentations. And, of course, the City of Pittsburgh, who has welcomed Furry Fandom with open arms, has dozens of things to see or do. You'll have no excuse ever to be bored!
Ah, musical entertainment in the Zoo? My request to sing must have been granted!
*Thursday night, the Zoo is oddly empty... except for crickets chirping.*
I've been Daffy Ducked... :<
Furthermore!
There are a great deal of volunteer opportunities that begin on Wednesday afternoon, and continue Thursday. If you are about early, and wishing to help, you can assist the convention with tasks ranging from moving equipment to verifying identification to moving equipment to stuffing 'bags of schwag' to moving equipment to--
Okay, yes, there's a lot of equipment to move on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.
Chiaro, you are so magnificent in stature that people in your presence feel compelled to volunteer. Maybe it's the hat. Maybe it's the self-assuredness that all chefs seem to have. Maybe you just beat them upside the head in such a way that ensures cooperation! It is a mystery!
I made the decision to volunteer a couple of years ago because I believed it to be the right thing to do. Kept me busy, and I enjoyed my time.
When I learned on how friendly everyone was, that really made volunteering worth it.
It's really not about the money -- It's about loving what you do.
Chiaroscuro makes it worth it for me every time. 
*nodnodnods* I haven't bothered to record my hours in ages, so clearly that's not the motivation for me, either.
Every time i volunteer, i find myself surrounded by a bunch of friendly folks with a great sense of humor who really care about the con. The staff know how to make their crews feel appreciated, regardless of any material incentives, and the volunteer crews are generally pretty great folks to know. I have fond memories of the one time i was on breakdown crew for the art show--the only time to memory that my swiss army knife has been used for random innuendo. *grin*
the only time to memory that my swiss army knife has been used for random innuendo.
Darn you, now I'm going to wonder, "Was it the Philips Head or the Bottle Opener or the toothpick?!?"
*helpless giggles*
No, i'm not sure even his mind is quite twisted enough for that. This was the whole thing, unopened.
Though now i think of it, the bit driver would have been an especially memorable choice... *grins*
Maybe they think I'll share the secret family recipe for Cobra Alfredo.
I heard that recipe has some bite.
Thank you, thank you, I'm here all week. Try the veal.
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Tom Brady/Duncan da Husky
Artists Alley and Con Store Manager
For fastest replies to questions about Artists Alley, e-mail me at
I would like to arrive possibly Wednesday and check out the local Dave & Busters this time. Its only about 10-20 minutes away by car I understand. The one here in Chicago/burbs are decent and credits will transfer so I'd like to see that venue as well. This time I need to bring my new camera and load it with pics and vids.
Are you reading my mind?
Seriously, I had another "pre-con stress dream" last night.
I dreamed I was at the convention, but had failed to update the front page of the website with hours, info, and the like. As usual, it was somewhat disturbing.
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