I have read quite a few reviews, and some of the hobbyists talk about some type of social gathering that I believe occured in October of 2009.  Is this some type of annual event?  It might seem like a silly question, but I am a newbie.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

See "Meet & Greet" board to the left.  You may be thinking about EWS gatherings that are held in certain cities around the US.  Do a search on the M & G board.