Fursuit Parade route revealed!
Thanks to the planning efforts of the incredible Yappyfox and the artistic talents of the incomparable Takaza, we present to you the route for the Anthrocon 2009 Fursuit Parade. You can see it by clicking here!
Note that the big group photo has moved indoors. We used to take the photo out on the balcony from across the river, but logistical issues and the sheer size of the parade, not to mention weather concerns, has made that an ever-growing challenge. The group photo will thus be taken in Hall C. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons we can not allow members of the public to take photos during the group shot. There will still be ample opportunity for snapshots during the parade, though!
The parade will begin promptly at 2 PM. Fursuiters, please remember that this is heavy elevator-use time. You are advised to allow lots of time to get to the parade.
It won't really matter. Once the parade goes down the stairs/escalators/elevator, it will go into the Dealer's Den. It then exits the Dealer's Den and enters Hall C, where the group picture will be taken. After the picture is taken, the parade will go back up the stairs/escalators/elevator and proceed back to the Spirit of Pittsburgh Ball room.
I am guessing, repeat guessing here.
The third floor map is clear, but the second is unclear because the steps are drawn in 3D and cause clarity problems. My guess is that the parade will come down the steps on the right side and back up on the left as shown by the third floor diagram. Depending on the length, there may be a slight detour for the leaders of the pack (apologies, couldn't resist) in that they may have to walk around the steps to get to the left (up) side of the stairs, so that there are no collisions between those completing the second floor and those just starting it.
Again, that's a guess. As usual, if someone with a Staff or Board button under their icon says differently, go by what they say.
If you re-read Kage's original post, you will notice that the parade will stop in Hall C for the group photo. That means that the entire parade will be on the second floor before it heads back up to the third floor. There will be no concern regarding which side of the stairs/escalators are used.
-RB
[Programming Second]
(Sorry, I don't have a little staff button thingy, I don't post very often on the forums)
Just a thought:
Why not start and end the Parade in Hall C. I was going to suggest adding a possible trip to the Hotel, but according to the floor plan there is no pedestrian entrance or exit on that floor. Everyone has to enter and leave via stairs, elevator or loading dock.
The two complications with that idea:
The Ballroom has seats set up and paid for already for Fursuiters to sit and rest in prior to the parade; Hall C does not (In fact, it is being used *only* for the group photo this year.) and the costs to reset the room would be.. well, more than zero.
The SoP ballroom is much closer to the headless lounge as well, and to the Westin, permitting fursuiters easier of a walk across the skybridge. Hall C, on the other hand, is much further, and the fursuiters would be going past Hall B to get to it, makign for a half-parade just to get there.
--CHi
Yaaaaaaa.. no more HOT death march !!! It was really hard on my gills to go out side in that heat. This year just keeps getting better and better
Sharky
I nearly collapsed in 2006 during the parade, and not 3 months later I took second place in the "Iron Fursuiter" challenge at MFM, meaning I'm not that out of shape. This parade is long and warm, and new costumers or those not used to these conditions may have difficulties.
What provisions are in place considering these factors?
Are there going to be fans in the photoshoot area? Will there be a break otherwise. Will there be fans in the pre-parade gathering area? Will there be water there?
OK, I'm a bit confused here... the third floor map shows the group leaving the ballroom, going out to the window area and then down the stairs on the RIGHT hand side and returning on the LEFT. Then the second floor maps shows the group coming up the right side and down the left side of the stairs, the opposite directions from the third floor map. Are the arrows on the second or third floor map reversed?
Jovina