This year’s IndyFurCon (IFC) started on a different note.

First, they moved to their new hotel at Wyndham Indianapolis West. The nostalgia of the previous venue, Marriott Indianapolis East, still lasted among some people.

New place, new start? Slightly bumpy, with some encountering issues here and there.

In preparation, IFC released their schedule, fursuit parade routes and the Dealers Den and Artist Alley maps within 10 days before the big weekend. They also tightened back COVID policies; the pandemic’s not done yet.

I hoped for the best experience, while there’s some little annoying issues at hand.

That’s for my hotel room, and the IFC registration process. Though, a 40-minute wait for tickets really isn’t bad.

The opening ceremony was more than just a place to do the standard announcements.

They pointed out the issues at hand and worked on making IFC more enjoyable – I am happy to say they succeeded.

The fursuit parade (my first in eight years) was fantastic!

Interesting enough, due to the way the hotel was laid out, some attendees went through the parade twice.

I directly credit names you might not be familiar with: Alkali, Pandez, Iggy and especially Firr and his one man show for making this the most laughter-filled conventions I ever attended.

But it wasn’t all laughs, but excitement too. There was great music by Citrine, Fox Coyote, Status Ferret, and Otter Chaos! Rocked.

The panels and the events were fantastic.

Now, I often go to big conventions. The crowds are always big, and I sort of expected likewise at IFC.

But here, I realised how easy it is to forget that the crowd at a smaller convention is just smaller and … more breathable? No time there did I feel overwhelmed by too many people.

It was also a convention of surprises.

As well as smaller surprises

All under the careful eye of members of Exotic Animal Rescue and Pet Sanctuary – for which I am happy to say got a donation of US$20,800.39.

Author: Ahmar Wolf, furrytimes.usa
Editor: Pawsry Hamktxchuzhni, GFTV

Ahmar is the owner, founder and editor of furrytimes.usa, a US-based furry news blog site.