WikiFur - User contributions [en]

Midwest FurFest

2019-01-27T19:29:58Z

Tiller: /* Statistics */ Adding 2018 data & adding commas

{{Infobox convention
|name = Midwest FurFest
|logo = [[File:MFF-2015-Banner.png|300px]]
|subject = [[Convention]]
|location = {{flagdiv|usa|[[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont]], [[Wikipedia:Illinois|Illinois]], [[Wikipedia:USA|USA]]}}
|url = http://www.furfest.org/
|status = Ongoing
|first = [[Midwest_FurFest_2000|November 17-19, 2000]]
|final =
|organizer = [[Midwest Furry Fandom|Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.]]
|charity =
|resources = {{con resources}}
}}
{{Midwest FurFest}}
[[File:MFF-2015-Logo.png|right|thumb|200px|Midwest FurFest's 2015 Logo.]]
'''Midwest FurFest''' (commonly abbreviated as '''MFF''') is the [[List of conventions by attendance|world's largest]] [[furry]] [[convention]] with an attendance of 10,989 in 2018. It is held annually in [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]]. The convention has been running as a separate entity since 2000.

== History ==
[[File:Midwest FurFest Attendance (2000-2018) v2.png|right|thumb|200px|Visitor Statistics]]
Midwest FurFest got its start as the furry track for [[Duckon]], a Chicago-based [[science fiction]] convention. The furry track was started at Duckon 3 in 1994 and was headed up by [[Robert King]]. The track grew larger each year and it was estimated that by Duckon 8 (1999) between one-quarter and one-third of the attendees were there due to interest in the furry track.

The track ran into problems because it was running out of room to expand without costing other parts of Duckon programming space and time. It was decided that the best course of action was to spin off into a new convention.

Thus [[Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.]] was created and Midwest FurFest was born, to take place in November 2000, on
the weekend before [[Wikipedia:Thanksgiving|Thanksgiving]]. The parting was amicable, and Duckon lent a good bit of expertise and manpower to help make the first year of Midwest FurFest a success.

Since then, the convention has grown from 473 attendees in 2000<ref>[[User:DuncanDaHusky/Midwest FurFest 2005 Registration Report|2005 Midwest FurFest Registration Report]]</ref> to 10,989 in 2018<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurFest/status/1076190725711245312 Tweet] on the Midwest FurFest [[Twitter]]. Dated/Retrieved December 21, 2018</ref>, making it the [[List of conventions by attendance|largest furry convention in the world]] surpassing the previous title holder Anthrocon in registered attendance in 2017. It has helped raise over $285,276 for various charities.

Midwest FurFest is a production of [[Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.]], which holds ''[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78958777 Midwest Furfest]'' and ''[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78958792 furfest]'' as [[Wikipedia:Service mark|service marks]].

The official Twitter account of Midwest FurFest [https://twitter.com/midwestfurfest/status/668939519668781056 advises attendees to post on Twitter using the hashtag] [https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FurFest #FurFest], as many other conventions are abbreviated MFF, one of which takes place at around the same time. Previously, Midwest FurFest [http://forum.furfest.org/index.php/topic,393.0.html suggested using] [https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MwFF the #MWFF hashtag], for the same reason.

== Current event ==
Midwest FurFest has called the [http://ohare.hyatt.com/ Hyatt Regency O'Hare] in [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] home [[Midwest FurFest 2010|since 2010]]. Features of the convention include an [[Artist Alley]], [[Dealers Den]], [[art show]], [[charity auction]], [[dance]]s (including a [[dead dog dance]]), the [[Consuite|FurFest Lounge]] and [[Headless lounge|Fursuit Green Room]], [[fursuit games]] and a [[fursuit parade|parade]], [[opening ceremonies|opening]] and [[closing ceremonies]], a [[photoshoot]] and a [[variety show]].

==Information==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! # !! Dates of Convention !! Theme !! Venue !! Location !! Guests of Honor !! Chair !! Attendance !! Percentage change!! Parade count !! Charity Amount !! Notes
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2000|1]] || Nov 17-19, 2000 || || [[wikipedia:Sheraton Hotel|Sheraton Chicago Northwest]] || [[wikipedia:Arlington Heights, Illinois|Arlington Heights, Illinois]] || [[Robert Carspecken|Robert]] & [[Margaret Carspecken]], [[Rapid T. Rabbit]], [[Derrick Dasenbrock]] || [[Robert King]] || 473 || || || $3,522.00 [http://wolfpark.org/ Wolf Park], [http://www.votk.org/ Valley of the Kings] [[feline|big cat]] sanctuary, and [http://www.chicagohouse.org/ Chicago House] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2001|2]] || Nov 16-18, 2001 || || [[wikipedia:Sheraton Hotel|Sheraton Chicago Northwest]] || [[wikipedia:Arlington Heights, Illinois|Arlington Heights, Illinois]] || [[Mary Hanson-Roberts]], [[Jessica Willard]], [[Matt McCullar]] || [[Robert King]] || 511 || +8.0% || || $6,800.00 [http://www.animalsforawareness.org/ Animals for Awareness] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2002|3]] || Nov 22-24, 2002 || || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Ursula Husted]], [[Ysengrin Blackpaw]], [[D.C. Simpson]] || [[Aureth]] || 685 || +34.1% || || $6,088.00 [http://www.animalsforawareness.org/ Animals for Awareness] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2003|4]] || Nov 21-23, 2003 || || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Thomas K. Dye]], [[M.C.A. Hogarth]], [[DBruin]] || [[Aureth]]|| 800 || +16.8% || || $6,500.00 [http://www.animalsforawareness.org/ Animals for Awareness] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2004|5]] || Nov 19-21, 2004 || Around the World in 80 Days || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Ursula Vernon]], [[ScribbleFox]], [[David Gilbert]] || [[Takaza J. Wolf]] || 959 || +19.9% || || $7,000.00 [http://www.furryfriendsfoundation.com/ Furry Friends Foundation] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2005|6]] || Nov 18-20, 2005 || Whodunnit? It's a Mystery! || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Gene Breshears]], [[Kenket]], [[Tincrash]] || [[Takaza J. Wolf]] || 1066 || +11.2% || || $6,800.00 [http://www.eventbrite.com/o/wildlife-in-need-inc-6705112521 Wildlife in Need] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2006|7]] || Nov 17-19, 2006 || County Fair || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Kyoht]], [[WhiteyFawks]], [[Spunky (artist)|Spunky]] || [[Linnaeus]] || 1422 || +33.4% || 213 || $13,048.96 [http://www.safehavenwildlife.com/ Safe Haven Wildlife Refuge] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2007|8]] || Nov 16-18, 2007 || Critters on the High Seas || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Chilly]], [[Jill0r]], [[Will Sanborn]] || [[Linnaeus]] || 1690 || +18.8% || 286 || $15,193.00 [http://www.flintcreekwildlife.org/ Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2008|9]] || Nov 21-23, 2008 || North to Alaska || [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1724 Westin Chicago North Shore] || [[Wikipedia:Wheeling, Illinois|Wheeling, Illinois]] || [[Lucky the Evil Dog]], [[Darc]], [[Gyrfalcon]], [[Foxfeather]] || [[Duncan da Husky]] || 1992 || +17.9% || 358 || $15,000.00 [http://www.rainbowaat.org/ Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2009|10]] || Nov 20-22, 2009 || 10 Years of Midwest FurFest || [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1724 Westin Chicago North Shore] || [[Wikipedia:Wheeling, Illinois|Wheeling, Illinois]] || All previous Guests of Honor were invited back for the convention's 10th Anniversary. || [[Duncan da Husky]] || 2040 || +2.4% || 357 || $12,799.00 [http://www.kareforwildlife.org/ Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Wildlife] || 10th Anniversary
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2010|11]] || Nov 19-21, 2010 || Chicago Blues || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Vantid]], [[The Blue Hyena]], [[Kipper|Kipper Otter]] || [[Takaza J. Wolf]] || 2285 || +12.0% || 413 || $11,300.00 [http://www.castawaypetrescue.com/ Castaway Pet Rescue] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2011|12]] || Nov 18-20, 2011 || Route 66 || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Rick Griffin]], [[Thornwolf]] || [[Takaza J. Wolf]] || 2600 || +13.8% || 574 || $19,574.79 [http://www.aear.org/ Animal Education and Rescue] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2012|13]] || Nov 16-18, 2012 || IT CAME FROM TV! || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[FirestormSix]], [[Miss Monster]], [[Nambroth]] || [[Perro]] || 3216 || +23.7% || 743 || $40,500.00 [http://www.felinesinc.org/ Felines & Canines] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2013|14]] || Nov 22-24, 2013 || The Pirates of Lake Michigan || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Chibi-Marrow]], [[Silver Huskywolf]], [[Sonderjen]] || [[Perro]] || 3904 || +21.4% || 972 || $28,000.00 [http://www.onetail.org/ One Tail at a Time] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2014|15]] || Dec 5-7, 2014 || Holidays in the City (originally announced as "Bright Lights Big City") || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Lacy]], [[CloudPouncer]], [[D. Walker (Novadog)|D. Walker]], [[Sabretoothed Ermine]] || [[Perro]] || 4571 || +17.1% || 1132 || $31,445.93 [http://www.crittercamp.org/ Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary] || Chemical incident
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2015|16]] || Dec 4-6, 2015 || || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Ifus]], [[Mahrkale]], [[Yonoa]] || [[Woody]] || 5606 || +22.6% || 1378 || $62,020.71 [http://Saveavet.org/ Save-A-Vet] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2016|17]] || Dec 1-4, 2016 || || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Balaa]], [[Bagheera (person)|Bagheera]], [[Betsy Beaver]], [[DrakonicKnight]] || [[Woody]] || 7075 || +26.2% || No Parade || $78,482.05 [http://www.felinesinc.org/ Felines & Canines] || First 4-day long MFF
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2017|18]] || Nov 30-Dec 3, 2017 || Grimm's Fairy Tales || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Latin Vixen]], [[Remy Wolf]], [http://www.escapedesignfx.com/ Russ Adams] || [[Kodi]] || 8771 || +24.0% || No Parade || $85,000 [http://www.aliverescue.org/community-outreach/crisp/ C.R.I.S.P.] ||
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2018|19]] || Nov 29-Dec 2, 2018 || Fly The Furry Skies || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[JD Werewolf]], [[Kyell Gold]], [[Vivzie Pop]] || [[Rama]] || 10989 || +25.3% || No Parade || $92,794 [https://www.sitstayread.org Sit Stay Read] || Latest Convention
|-
| [[Midwest FurFest 2019|20]] || Dec 5-8, 2019 || 20 Years of Midwest FurFest || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Artkour]], [[Brushwolf Creature Studio]], [[Mary E. Lowd]] || [[Rama]] || || || || || Next Convention, 20th Anniversary
|}

== Statistics ==

{| class="wikitable" style="display:inline-block; margin: 1 25px;"
|+Midwest FurFest Attendance and Charity
|Year
|Fursuiters*
|Attendees
|Charity
|-
|2018
|
|10,989
|$92,794
|-
|2016
|
|7,075
|$78,482
|-
|2015
|1,378
|5,606
|$62,021
|-
|2014
|1,132
|4,571
|$31,446
|-
|2013
|972
|3,904
|$28,000
|-
|2012
|743
|3,216
|$40,500
|-
|2011
|574
|2,600
|$19,575
|-
|2010
|413
|2,285
|$11,300
|-
|2009
|357
|2,040
|$12,799
|-
|2008
|358
|1,992
|$15,000
|-
|2007
|286
|1,690
|$15,193
|-
|2006
|213
|1,422
|$13,049
|-
|2005
|
|1,066
|$6,800
|-
|2004
|
|959
|$7,000
|-
|2003
|
|800
|$6,500
|-
|2002
|
|685
|$6,088
|-
|2001
|
|511
|$6,800
|-
|2000
|
|473
|$3,522
|-
| colspan="4" rowspan="1" |* Fursuiter numbers are as counted in the parade or group photo
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="display:inline-block; vertical-align:top; margin-left: 20px;"
|+
|[[File:MWFF-Attendance-Graph.jpeg|600px|Attendance]]
|[[File:MWFF-Charity-Graph.jpeg|600px|Charity]]
|}

==Guests of honor==
Each year, Midwest FurFest selects talent from within the community, with a focus on people who have not yet been recognized.

==Charities==
Each year, Midwest FurFest selects a local animal-related charity to focus on. The total amount raised is $449,073.81.

==Convention chairs==
Each year, the of [[Board of Directors]] for [[Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.]] selects a [[Convention chair]] to oversee the following year's event.

==References==
<references/>
{{unref}}

== External links ==
{{WikiFurNews|Midwest FurFest announces 2007 theme, Guests of Honor}}
{{WikiFurNews|MFF board plans more rooms for 2007}}
* [http://www.furfest.org/ Midwest FurFest] official site
* [http://www.midwestfurryfandom.org/ Midwest Furry Fandom, Incorporated] official site
* [http://www.facebook.com/furfest Midwest FurFest] on [[Facebook]]
* [https://www.instagram.com/furfest/ Midwest FurFest] on [[Wikipedia:Instagram|Instagram]]
* [https://twitter.com/midwestfurfest Midwest FurFest] on [[Twitter]]
* {{con resources}}

{{Illinois}}
{{Conventions}}
[[Category:Midwest FurFest| ]]
[[Category:Conventions]]
[[Category:Illinois]]
[[Category:2000 births]]
{{Featured article}}

[[de:Midwest FurFest]]
[[es:Midwest FurFest]]
[[it:Midwest FurFest]]
[[fr:Midwest FurFest]]
[[ru:Midwest FurFest]]
[[sv:Midwest FurFest]]

Rama

2017-12-05T17:51:13Z

Tiller: Lead of Registration, con chair

Kodi (Canada)

2017-12-05T17:49:04Z

Tiller: added con chair of MFF

{{cleanup}}
{{wikify}}
[[File:Kodi-outside-sm.jpg|right|thumb|Kodi, husky.]]
[[Image:Kodi_made_logo.jpg‎‎|right|200px|kodi made.]]
[[Image:Kodi_jogging.jpg|right|thumb|2005: Jogging in the 5km charity run]]
'''Kodi''', formerly '''TJ_Wolf''', is a [[fursuiter]] and fursuit maker whose character is a [[husky]].

Kodi grew up in [[Wikipedia:Ottawa|Ottawa]] and [[Wikipedia:Vancouver|Vancouver]], Canada. Having a love of performing and entertaining, he began making costumes in 2000.

In 2003, Kodi was one of the five founders of the charity [[mascot]]-performing group [[Helping Pawz]]. He was also a founder (and former [[chairman]]) of the annual [[furry]] gathering [[Howloween]] in Vancouver. At [[Howloween 2003]], Kodi was featured as a part of the CBC television program [[Culture Shock]], which explored the Furry sub-culture.

In 2004, Kodi was a founder of the [[Arend Studios]] group, but left in late 2006 to pursue other career aspirations in the [[Wikipedia:Toronto|Toronto]] area. Kodi really gets around! He currently works in marketing for a software company and currently lives in [[Wikipedia:Seattle|Seattle]], U.S.A. Having lived in a number of different cities (Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago, Seattle), Kodi has traveled all over the world logging over 150,000 miles in 2008 alone! In 2007, Kodi spent a month in India.

Kodi was the 2017 con chairman for [[Midwest Furfest]]

'''Interesting factoids:'''
 - In 2010, Kodi was a guest of honor at [[RainFurrest 2010|RainFurrest]] in Seattle
 - In 2010, [http://www.flickr.com/photos/kodipup/sets/72157624087815323/ climbed Mt. Rainier] in Washington State (14,000 ft; and got quite the sunburn from the glacier too!)
 - Travelled to every state, and every Canadian province
 - Also a lot of international travels: Germany, France, England, India, Australia, Singapore, China, Israel, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Denmark
 - First con attended was [[Midwest FurFest 2000]] in Illinois
 - Currently runs programming for Midwest FurFest (MFF), is an 'Event Lead', and is a member of the MFF board

He has 4 regular characters that he performs in: Kodi (husky), Ty and Kix(border collie), and Havoc (werewolf). Kodi has been making fursuits for years now and currently takes commissions through "'''kodi made'''".

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Kodi-bit2011.jpg|Kodi with Bit at AC 2011.
Image:Kix-skiing.jpg|Kodi (in Kix) at [[Furry Ski Weekend]] 2013 in Colorado.
Image:Kix2013.jpg‎|Kix!.
Image:Kodi cup.JPG|Kodi in the 2013 Chicago Pride Parade with Chicago Gay-Hockey Associaton.
Image:Ty-cl-fcn2013.jpg|'''Ty''' at [[Furry Connection North 2013]].
Image:Kodi skiing.jpg|Kodi Skiing at Furry Ski Weekend 2009.
File:Bit-wuff.jpg|Havoc at MFF2011 with Bit.
Image:Kodi shep skiing.jpg|Kodi in a sheppy mask, Furry Ski Weekend 2010.
</gallery>

== Featured Videos ==
{|
|valign="top"|
{{#ev:youtube|B-8yAA4oxrI|250|205}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-8yAA4oxrI Kodi and Yippee at the Fursuit Performance Panel, AC 2011 (part1)]

{{#ev:youtube|XsFAXTowpFc|250|205}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsFAXTowpFc Subservient Kodi on the Pawpet Show (part1)]
 
{{#ev:youtube|RgtuI9hIuVM|250|205}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgtuI9hIuVM Subservient Kodi on the Pawpet Show (part2)]
|}

== External links ==
{{Contributor|Kodi pup}}
* [http://www.kodimade.com/ kodi made. (Custom Fursuit Creations)] - website for fursuit-building etc.
* [http://www.huskysuit.com/ Kodi's Pillow Fort] - personal website
* [http://theamazingkodi.livejournal.com/ Kodi] on [[LiveJournal]]
*[http://www.flickr.com/photos/kodipup/ Kodi on Flickr]
*[http://www.furaffinity.net/user/kodipup/ Kodipup] on [[Fur Affinity]]
*[http://twitter.com/theamazingkodi theamazingkodi] on Twitter
*[https://www.weasyl.com/~kodi Kodi] on [[Weasyl]]

[[Category:People]]
[[Category:Fursuiters]]
[[Category:Fursuit makers]]
[[Category:Howloween staff]]
[[Category:Midwest FurFest staff]]
[[Category:RainFurrest guests of honor]]
[[Category:Husky characters]]
[[Category:British Columbia]]
[[Category:Illinois]]

Midwest FurFest

2017-12-04T18:52:18Z

Tiller: /* Charities */ updated charity list with estimate for money raised 2017

Midwest FurFest

2017-12-04T18:41:56Z

Tiller: /* Guests of honor */ added 2018

R.C. Fox

2017-11-09T16:32:47Z

Tiller: /* Fandom involvement */ - updating to reflect that he is no longer part of MFF staff

{{cleanup}}
{{wikify}}
[[File:Mikeybob7.jpg|right|thumb|225px|R.C. Fox with two local radio [https://www.facebook.com/mikeybigbob DJs Mikey and Big Bob] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Springs_Mountain_Resort Seven Springs Ski Resort] [http://www.961kiss.com/photos/freakshow/7-springs-takeover-213017/#/0/23575401 1-10-2015].]]
'''R.C. Fox''' (real name '''Carl R. Kirkwood''',{{fact}} born May 6, 1984),<ref name="RC-FSD">[http://db.fursuit.me/?c=viewuser&nick=RCTheFox R.C.Fox's profile] on [[the Fursuit Database]]. Retrieved September 13, 2014.</ref> is a [[furry musician]], [[fursuiter]], [[photographer]], [[W:network engineer|network engineer]], and lead events organizer who lives in the Pittsburgh region close to the Pittsburgh Airport.<ref name="RC-FSD"/> He is active with the [[West PA Fur Events]] and [[Pennsylvania Furry Entertainment]] organizations.

== Real Life ==

In [[real life]], R.C. is a [[w:network engineer|network engineer]]. He is quite shy and reserved when going into unfamiliar situations, suffering from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety_disorder Social Anxiety disorder] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder ADHD], but does warm up quickly, he claims, when meeting other furs or wearing his fursuit. He is generally happy and energetic and would stick up for any one he is friends with. He regularly attends charity events and even requests having others attend the events to help promote a positive image and bring further attention to the causes they will support. His overall goal has been to make others smile and bring the overall mood up of anyone he can.

== Fandom involvement ==
[[File:RCFoxsuitRef.png|right|thumb|225px|R.C. The Fox Fursuit reference and color design]]
R.C. has been a [[furry]] most of his life. He discovered, and became active in, the [[fandom]] in 1997,<ref>[http://www.furaffinity.net/user/-rc-/ R.C. Fox's profile] on [[Fur Affinity]]. Retrieved June 25, 2014.</ref> after searching online for information about [[fox]]es to support his beliefs as an [[Otherkin]] [[Therian]], and then stumbling across the [[VCL]] gallery. He strongly believes he is a fox inside and has admitted at times to acting like one.

Due to personal reasons, R.C. took a ten-year hiatus between 2003 and 2013 from the group. During this time, he kept out of the public eye and maintained only an online role under a few aliases loosely based on his fursona character's sayings. He rejoined the group at [[Anthrocon 2013]], and has been highly active in the community ever since as a major contributor, helping to unify the local furs around [[W:Pittsburgh|Pittsburgh]] and Erie, PA helping to form the West PA Fur Group.<ref>[http://www.pa-furry.org/node/7710/pa-furry-location-db/ PA Furry Location Database] page on the [[Pennsylvania Furries]]' [http://www.pa-furry.org/ website]. Retrieved June 28, 2014.</ref>

He currently{{when}} is active with the [http://www.961kiss.com/onair/the-morning-freak-show-46988/ KISS Morning Freak Show] DJs on their morning stream helping to promote the local furry group and participate in events. Recently, he was featured in the local newspaper's [http://www.post-gazette.com/gallery/Photos-of-the-Day-10-27-2014 Photo of the Day] Section for 10-27-14 during his recent public suiting with another local fur, [[Xanthos]]. This has led to his active participation with local media, including the Pittsburgh Business Time's recent article featuring himself and his friend, [[Zippo Wolf]] on the cover page as seen [[http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/print-edition/2015/07/10/fursuit-of-happiness.html Fursuit of Happiness]].

In 2015 and 2016, he was a member of [[Midwest FurFest]] [[convention]] logistics staff.

=== Fursona ===
[[File:RC Uncle Kage-AC2015.JPG|right|thumb|225px|R.C. with [[Uncle_Kage|Uncle Kage]] at [[Anthrocon]] in 2015]]
R.C. Fox's [[fursona]], '''Network Fox''', is a [[hybrid|mix]] of 80% [[red fox]], 10% [[fennec]], and 10% [[Arctic fox]]. His color scheme is primarily black and white, with seven dark teal-blue stripes along his rear torso which wrap around to the front. There's also stripes along his shoulders to the arms, his ears and the patch of hair on his head. He refers to the stripe pattern as the "3-1-3" (each stripe has a specific meaning attached to a personal life events, such as starting a career, getting married, his lovers and so on). His [[ear]]s' colors (pink/blue) indicate his [[sexual orientation]], which is [[bisexual]]. His fursona design overall, pulls from his life in which it represents.

===Fursuit===
[[File:911_0029.JPG|right|thumb|225px|R.C. Fox in attendance at [[FA_United|FA:U 8]]]]
R.C. Fox's fursuit was constructed by [[More Fur Less]] ([[Kishowolf]] and [[Sways]]).<ref>[http://db.fursuit.me/?c=viewsuit&id=4238 RC The Fox] on the Fursuit Database. Retrieved September 13, 2014.</ref> It features their signature changeable expressions. R.C. is known to post photos on his Facebook and Twitter accounts in various settings at meets. He is a public fursuiter and can be found suiting regularly around his hometown or at work. His fursuit has helped him further express his spirituality as an [[Otherkin]] and has helped him become more sociable at events.

=== Convention attendance ===

* [[Anthrocon]] - [[Anthrocon 2001|2001]], [[Anthrocon 2013|2013]], [[Anthrocon 2014|2014]], [[Anthrocon 2015|2015]], [[Anthrocon 2016|2016]]
* [[FA United]] - [[FAU_2015|2015]]
* [[Furnal Equinox]] - [[Furnal_Equinox_2016|2016]]
* [[Furry Cruise]] - 2014
* [[FurReality]] - [[Fur_Reality_2015|2015]]
* Midwest FurFest - [[Midwest FurFest 2014|2014]], [[Midwest FurFest 2015|2015]]

=== Media ===

* Mt Washington Overlook Post Gazette - 10/27/2014 <ref>[http://www.post-gazette.com/gallery/Photos-of-the-Day-10-27-2014 Pittsburgh PG Photos of the Day]</ref>
* Pittsburgh Penguins Freak Show Section - 10/30/2014 <ref>[http://www.961kiss.com/photos/freakshow/fs-pens-section-374638/#/11/23347132 FS Pens Section 2014]</ref>
* Pittsburgh First Night 2015 - 12/31/2014 <ref>[http://www.pa-furry.org/node/7805/first-night-pittsburgh-parade-furry-frolic Pittsburgh First Night]</ref>
* KISS FM 7 Springs Takeover - 1/10/2015 <ref>[http://www.961kiss.com/photos/freakshow/7-springs-takeover-213017/#/0/23575401 7 Springs Takeover - KISS FM]</ref>
* Pittsburgh Penguins Freak Show Section - 02/19/2015 <ref>[http://www.961kiss.com/photos/freakshow/fs-pens-section-374638/#/0/23696013 FS Pens Section 2015]</ref>
* [http://www.pghhome.com/ Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show] at the [[W:David L. Lawrence Convention Center|David Lawrence Convention Center]] - 3/5/2015 3/5 and 3/12/2016
* [http://www.steelcitycon.com/ Steel City Con] at the [http://www.monroevilleconventioncenter.com/us/ Monroeville Convention Center] - 4/11/2015
* Pittsburgh Pride Parade 2015 March - 6/14/15
* [http://www.midland4th.com/ Midland, PA 4th of July March] - 7/4/15
* Featured at the Pittsburgh International Auto show <ref>[http://pittautoshow.com/events.cfm Pitt Auto Show Daily Events]</ref> - 2/13/2016
* Featured guest judge for the [http://www.animalrescue.org/ Animal Rescue League's] [https://www.facebook.com/events/1667636536826266 5th Annual B*tches Ball] as a local celebrity. <ref>[http://www.pghcitypaper.com/Blogh/archives/2016/03/11/bark-baby-its-the-fifth-annual-btches-ball-drag-competition-benefiting-pittsburghs-animal-rescue-league City Paper article about the B*thces Ball]</ref><ref>[http://www.post-gazette.com/life/seen/2016/03/14/B-tches-Ball-raises-funds-for-Animal-Rescue-League/stories/201603140007 Post Gazette Article reviewing the event with photos]</ref> - 3/10/2016

== Music ==

R.C. in the late 90s and early 2000 was a [[W:Rave|rave]] [[DJ]] and [[W:LivePA|live performance artist]] (mostly under the alias '''DJ: C''', among others, which varied upon the event and/or style of music performed) and producer of [[(4-12 House Productions)]] for the Pittsburgh area who was one of many production teams responsible for organizing raves and promoting local DJs.{{clarify}}

== Controversy ==
On August 31, 2017, R.C. was charged by Pennsylvania State Police with 20 counts of dissemination of [[wikipedia:Child pornography|child pornography]], one count of possession of child pornography, and one count criminal use of a phone.<ref name="TimesOnline">[http://www.timesonline.com/db0105ea-9d6b-11e7-9672-f3898bf53528.html News article describing arrest and charges.]</ref><ref>[https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/MDJReport.ashx?docketNumber=MJ-36304-CR-0000319-2017 Criminal docket of Carl R. Kirkwood]</ref> The arrest came after a 2016 confession to possessing about 50 videos of child pornography on his computer, in turn following a 2015 event where a sexual video depicting an 8-year-old child was traced to R.C.'s computer.<ref name="TimesOnline" /> This became known in the fandom after a docket containing personal information matching that of R.C. was discovered{{By whom}} in September 2017.{{fact}}

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{Contributor|‎RCTheFox}}
{{flayrah|node1=7130|title1=R.C. Fox charged with criminal possession of child pornography}}
* [http://rcthefox.deviantart.com/ R.C. Fox] on [[deviantART]] (deactivated)
* [http://www.furaffinity.net/user/-rc-/ R.C. Fox] on [[Fur Affinity]] (disabled)
* [http://rcthefox.sofurry.com/ R.C. Fox] on [[SoFurry]]
* [https://www.facebook.com/RCTheFox R.C. Fox] on [[Facebook]] (unavailable)
* [https://twitter.com/RCTheFox R.C. Fox] on [[Twitter]] (deleted)
* [https://www.youtube.com/user/DJTheC R.C. Fox] on [[YouTube]] (renamed to NoName and cleared)
* [http://db.fursuit.me/?c=viewuser&nick=RCTheFox R.C. Fox] on [[the Fursuit Database]]
* [http://www.vine.co/RCTheFox R.C. Fox Vine] on [[Vine]] (deleted)

{{person-stub}}

[[Category:People]]
[[Category:Fursuiters]]
[[Category:Photographers]]
[[Category:DJs]]
[[Category:Otherkin]]
[[Category:Midwest FurFest staff]]
[[Category:Fox characters]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:1984 births]]

Midwest FurFest

2017-11-03T18:03:06Z

Tiller: /* Guests of honor */

Midwest FurFest

2017-11-03T16:32:57Z

Tiller: /* Convention chairs */ add the next years con chair