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ORIGIN AND GROWTH Furry conventions started in mid-1986 with parties at popular Science Fiction Convention s, such as Westercon and BayCon in the San Francisco Bay Area . Over time, these parties split off into conventions of their own, starting with ConFurence 0 in 1989.1 Attendance at furry conventions has been growing, with the number of conventions, total attendance of all conventions and maximum size of a single convention all doubling over the period 2000–2006. Furry conventions sometimes start out as furmeets, where groups of local fans meet at a regular location, often on a scheduled basis. As the local community grows, these groups may put on events which attract dealer attention or significant fan activity and which become recognized as fully-fledged conventions. Other conventions spring up in the wake of discontinued events; for example, Califur was founded in 2004 following the final ConFurence in 2003, in order to keep a furry convention in the Los Angeles Basin .2 ACTIVITIES Convention programming includes '', Wikinews , February 6, 2007. Retrieved on 2007-05-19. Most conventions will feature some kind of an Art Show , in which artists' work is displayed, often for direct purchase or Auction during the convention. There will often be a ''Dealers Den'' where art and Comic Book distributors and other Merchant s can sell their wares for a fee, and an ''Artists' Alley'' where individual artists are given space for no fee or a token fee, usually on the condition that they only sell their own work.5 Artists may also trade art between each other using Sketchbook s. Erotic Art is typically allowed if kept separate from other pieces, and only shown to adult attendees; a few conventions are rated strictly PG-13 . Major conventions tend to have a Disco on at least one evening. Often there is a " Fursuit -friendly" dance prior to the main event, with raised lighting and slower music to offset fursuiters' reduced vision and mobility. The use of Glowstick s and illuminated Poi are popular once the lights are dimmed.6 A furry convention is also an opportunity to socialize, and private parties for subgroups of the fandom are common.7 Conventions with significant numbers of fursuiters may offer an event known as the ''furry games'', ''furry races'', or ''critterlympics''. These focus on feats of Dexterity suited to multiple players in teams, such as dragging a sled filled with Plush Toy s or other fursuiters around a marked track, or racing back and forth while tethered to one another with a Hula Hoop . Some conventions have established Charity Auction s, which (in the US) usually raise several thousand dollars for the convention's yearly Charity , typically a Wildlife Refuge , Nature Reserve , Animal Shelter , Sanctuary or Rescue Group .89 ATTENDEES Attendees include Artist s and Dealer s offering products and services for sale to fans, and those wish to buy them. Others come for the programming, or to meet friends or other furry fans in general. Many attend for all of these reasons. Some later publish a ''con report'' detailing their experiences. Attendees of major conventions receive a bag with the Convention Book (or ''conbook''), a lavishly-illustrated volume featuring themed artwork, fiction and articles submitted by members and the Guests of Honor, along with a description of the event's programming, staff, rules, guests and any charity being supported by the convention.10Anthrocon 2006 convention book Local Restaurant information and a combination Pocket Schedule and map may also be included. Sponsor s often receive additional items such as T-shirt s, Pins or Ribbon s, as well as faster registration badge pick-up and on-site meals (some conventions provide a ''con suite'' with basic refreshments for all members).11 They may also be displayed prominently in convention publications. Fans may wear a full or partial fursuit or other costume to express their identity and entertain others, though typically less than 15% of attendees bring a costume, and few of these wear them all the time.At wore suits at Anthrocon 2007 Others may wear Accessories such as ears or a tail, particularly outside the main convention area. Nearly all will wear one or more custom convention badges featuring a depiction of their anthropomorphic Persona , some with attached ribbons providing an indicator of Social Status , such as a notice of Affiliation , or sponsorship of the convention. Sales of such accessories form a part of the Commerce at furry conventions. ORGANIZATION AND STAFFING Furry conventions are run and staffed by as Non-profit Organization s, usually to achieve Tax-exempt Status and safeguard the organizers' personal Asset s - in the US, some are 501(c)(3) charities, while others are registered as Recreational Clubs . The largest events may require up to a hundred volunteers, not including Gofer s. Volunteers are thanked for their participation during the closing ceremonies, which are usually well-attended, and often receive T-shirts or other benefits. TIMING AND DURATION Most furry conventions take place over a weekend. Reasons for this include:
As furry conventions have expanded, increased demand for programming has extended the hours covered, such that events many now include activities on Thursday and Friday, often extending late into the night. Saturday remains the busiest day, as most fans must return home on Sunday. One-day passes are sometimes sold at a reduced price. IN THE MEDIA reporters outside Anthrocon 2006]] While small, and often Avoidant of media coverage, furry conventions have increasingly become a topic of attention for the News and Mass Media :
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