I'm with Tony on this one went to my first astrofest 5 or 6 years ago.
Did not have a clue.''still don't"
That being said, I have made some great friends along the way who have only been to happy to help me.
I'm yet to meet anyone in the dark cold nights who have not been willing to share their time or the sky above through their own very expensive equipment with a complete stranger.
A very rare bunch indeed!
I look forward to it each and every year.
Don't ask yourself why? Ask yourself why not?