About Furry Weekend Atlanta

About Anthropomorphics (or "furry")

Put simply, anthropomorphism is endowing human characteristics to nonhuman objects. Usually taking the form of human characteristics given to animals, anthropomorphism have been with humanity from the very earliest cave paintings to our modern marketing icons and sports mascots. It is only in the last several decades that the study of and fandom for anthropomorphism (commonly called the "furry" fandom) has been recognized as unique and deserving of attention. Furry Weekend intends to provide a place where fans of anthropomorphic animals can come together for fun, fellowship, and education.

Unfortunately, as with many subculture groups, the furry fandom is often misunderstood by the mainstream media. Images of the fandom have been greatly exaggerated and played up for pure shock value by programs on MTV and a recent episode of CSI. These images portray negatively - and falsely - a group that is simply misunderstood.

Many of our fans are well educated, gainfully employed members of society who simply have a hobby. It's a hobby that's not different from Star Trek "trekkies," comic book fans, or those interested in reenacting past events like the Civil War or the medieval era. In addition to all genders, ethnicities, and personal backgrounds, all professions are represented among the furry fandom to include: doctors, lawyers, writers, artists, programmers, students, and more. We are all bound together by our interest in this fascinating cultural phenomenon. We invite the curious to toss aside the uninformed opinions of others and come find out more about what the furry fandom is really about...

"I think one of the best parts about furry is all the wonderful people I've met. There's a certain 'emotional rush' that comes from meeting people that share your same interests - one that never gets old no matter how many 'paws' you shake, as it were. Through the common bond that is furry, I've met probably 40 or 50 really nice people that I wouldn't have otherwise met. To me, THAT is the true power of the fandom: getting together with friends and having a good time."

- Kiran Lightpaw, Director of Operations.

About Furry Weekend Atlanta

Furry Weekend Atlanta, Inc. is a non-profit corporation, organized pursuant to the Georgia Non-Profit Corporation Code. It is headed by an Executive Committee and tasked with operating a yearly convention to provide high-quality education and entertainment for our attendees in a safe and fun environment, and to promote the acceptance and appreciation of the anthropomorphic fandom in the Southeast and throughout the country as a whole. As a non-profit corporation, only funds necessary for the continuing operation of the convention are retained; the remaining funds are donated to appropriate charities.

From 2004 until 2008, the convention ran every February, usually in the middle part of the month around Valentine's Day. Beginning in 2009, Furry Weekend Atlanta moved to the last week in March for better weather and a better location.

In 2004, Furry Weekend Atlanta welcomed 270 people to the dogwood city for the inaugural year of the convention. In 2005, 500 people joined us from 32 states and three foreign countries for Furry Weekend Atlanta 2005, and in 2006 563 people joined us and four foreign countries joined us in Atlanta. Furry Weekend Atlanta had 762 attendees in 2007, 1046 attendees in 2008, and 1371 attendees in 2009, the sixth year of the convention.