Furry Weekend Atlanta
A last minute decision on Sunday took me to the Hilton in downtown Atlanta Georgia for Furry Weekend Atlanta. Even though this was the last day of the convention, there was a good attendance. I breezed through registration, which was very organized; got my really cool badge; and head out to the main area.
The Hilton had the upstairs reserved for Furry Weekend Atlanta with signs letting all non-congoers know this was a private function. I proceeded first to the dealer’s room. There were lots and lots of furry related books, art, comics and gear. I was completely unaware of how many authors and artists are out there creating in this genre. After browsing, I went to a panel. Uncle Kage’s Story Hour, a one-man storytelling show. It was very funny. Then it was off to the panel I really wanted to attend – Fursuiting – how to make one. Wow! Like any other costuming group, Furries are truly dedicated. I learned about making heads and which foam is best for which body part. As a newbie in making costumes, I came away from this panel with a costuming resource list, not just for fursuits, as well as complete appreciation for what it takes to make a good fursuit.
What is a good convention without a charity? Would anyone be surprised if FWA’s charity for 2010 was animal related? I thought not. Conservator’s Center Inc. (CCI for short) is based out of North Carolina. Their mission is to preserve threatened species. They brought with them two Servals that had been rescued. Just think giant kitty pets.
Carnaval, FWA’s 2010 theme, was winding to a close. It was time for a last panel before the closing ceremonies. Furries Got Talent! Like most conventions, FWA has some lateness issues. The talent show, while 30 minutes late in starting, had dancers, musicians, comics and more. Some in fursuits and some not. But, my favorite has to be the furry who played the bagpipes.
All in all, what time I spent at FWA was good. It was very organized and there was a noticeable presence of staff. Like most cons the costumed attendees welcomed their photo being taken; unlike most cons, Furries don’t speak. At least the ones I approached didn’t. They would nod, which I took as a yes. In order to really experience this or any other con, one really should attend on multiple days. Or, if that is not possible, go on any day but the last one. You miss too much as I did at FWA.
Traci Tant is the co-founder of GirlsOfTheCon.com, a website dedicated to convention girls and bringing the creativity and Inspirational fashion and design of the sci fi, fantasy, gothic, steampunk, horror, and alternative cultures and genres to the eyes of the often over critical mainstream. Contact Traci at GirlsOfTheCon.com