I'm guessing that the DO mentioned was in 2005 using a celebration of Texas Independence as an excuse (as if one were needed) to have a get-together.

We seem to recall that Middle_Seat and paradocs were the locals who organized the party and if the OP is organizing in the same spirit, we can be sure that this one will be a very good affair. If it is held on the first weekend of December, it will go on our calendar and we will try to be there. Unfortunately, the second weekend does not work for us.