Johnny Benson

Johnny Benson began his racing career 1982 on the dirt tracks right here in Michigan, and has continued to be a fan favorite here in Grand Rapids.  The 2008 Truck Series Champion, Benson lost his ride last year when his team dissolved due to lack of sponsorship, and is currently seeking a sponsor to help him become a member of Kyle Busch's Camping World Truck Series.  Since the loss of his team, he has returned to his roots of local short track racing, returning to Michigan this past summer racing his own Supermodified at Berlin Raceway in Marne, MI.  Due to a crash during that race, he was sidelined for the rest of the season, and we are anxious to see him back home, fully recovered!

For more information on Johnny's racing history, visit JohnnyBenson.com.

Johnny Benson Appearance!

The NASCAR driver & Grand Rapids Native will be on hand for photos & autographs on Saturday at the show!

For your chance to be first in line, tune in to WBBL 107.3 FM or WTNR 94.5 FM!

Days	Times	Locations
Saturday, January 16	1:00PM	Hall A
Saturday, January 16	3:00PM	Hall A

Jim DuFresne

Jim DuFresne is a renowned travel author and avid hiker who has trekked around the world.  DuFresne has written more than 15 guidebooks, including titles for Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, and Nepal.  Living in Michigan, he has also written books on our wonderful state parks and hiking trails.

Cruising Alaska in Your RV

You don’t need to hop on a cruise ship to cruise Alaska. Your recreation vehicle will handle the seas just fine with the help of the Alaska Marine Ferry System. Travel expert Jim DuFresne gives his newest presentation, focusing on using the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway system to travel through the 49th State.

Why book an expensive cruise on a boat that carries a 1,000 other passengers? DuFresne gives a media presentation on Alaska’s wonderful ferry system, taking you from Ketchikan in Southeast Alaska to Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, stopping along the way to enjoy historic towns, glacier walks, and bear viewing.

Days	Times	Locations
Thursday, January 14	7:00PM	Seminar Stage
Friday, January 15	2:00PM	Seminar Stage
Friday, January 15	7:00PM	Seminar Stage
Saturday, January 16	12:00PM	Seminar Stage
Saturday, January 16	7:00PM	Seminar Stage
Sunday, January 17	12:00PM	Seminar Stage
Sunday, January 17	4:00PM	Seminar Stage

The Long Road North: Exploring Alaska in Your RV

Join author Jim DuFresne as he takes his audience on a trip through Alaska on a road trip that includes the Alaska Highway and towns ranging from Fairbanks in the north to Ketchikan in the south. DuFresne covers everything from how long the drive on the Alaska Highway takes to the sights not to miss once you’ve reached Alaska.

Days	Times	Locations
Thursday, January 14	5:00PM	Seminar Stage
Friday, January 15	5:00PM	Seminar Stage
Saturday, January 16	4:00PM	Seminar Stage
Sunday, January 17	2:00PM	Seminar Stage

Michael Zadoorian

Michael Zadoorian, a life-long Michigander, lives and works in the Detroit area. His books include SECOND HAND, winner of the Great Lakes Colleges Association New Writers award, the story collection, THE LOST TIKI PALACES OF DETROIT, and the book he'll be presenting at the show, THE LEISURE SEEKER.

In THE LEISURE SEEKER, John and Ella Robina have shared a wonderful life for more than 50 years. Now in their eighties, and yearning for one last adventure, the self-proclaimed “down-on-their-luck geezers” kidnap themselves from the adult children and doctors who seem to run their lives to steal off from their home in Detroit on a forbidden vacation of rediscovery—seeking to find “the happy ending that we all want but never get.”

Observant, told with affection, quirkiness and understated irony, THE LEISURE SEEKER is an RV odyssey through the ghost towns, deserted trailer parks, forgotten tourist attractions, and lost back roads of America.

THE LEISURE SEEKER is currently under development as a major motion picture by noted film producer Jeffrey Sharp (Boys Don’t Cry, Proof, You Can Count on Me) of Sharp Independent.

"The Leisure Seeker" Book Reading

Detroit Author Michael Zadoorian will read excerpts from his book, "THE LEISURE SEEKER,"  available in stores now, about a couple who leave everything behind to live on the road in an RV.

Each reading will be followed by a Q&A Session with the author, as well as a book signing.  Books available for sale on site, sponsored by Schuler Books & Music. 

Be the FIRST to get it in paperback at the show, two weeks before the public release!

ALSO register for your chance to be one of 10 spots in an exclusive meet & greet with the author, and receive a signed hardcover copy of the book! Listen to WJRW 1340 AM for more details.

Check out an exclusive interview with Michael in our Audio/Video Section thanks to WJRW 1340 AM!

Days	Times	Locations
Saturday, January 16	2:00PM	Seminar Stage
Saturday, January 16	5:00PM	Seminar Stage

Scott Barger, Sr.

Scott Barger currently serves as the Executive Director of Cran-Hill Ranch (Rodney, Michigan.) Cran-Hill Ranch is a 40 year old ministry that serves the Midwest through providing Youth Camps, a full Christian Campground, Retreat Programs & Services and Adventure Experiences through its ministry called Christian Adventures.™ It’s mission is to Transform Lives Into the Image of Christ through, Youth Camps, Family Camping, Retreats and Adventure Experiences.

Scott also teaches Ministry Leadership, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, and other graduate level courses as a Special Appointment Faculty at Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, MI), and is a credentialed Pastor within the Evangelical Covenant Church, currently working toward finishing a Master’s of Divinity (MDiv) at Northpark Seminary (Chicago, IL).

Worship Service

Sunday Morning, Cran-Hill Ranch Executive Director Scott Barger, Sr. will hold a worship service before the show opens.

Days	Times	Locations
Sunday, January 17	9:30AM	Grand Gallery Meeting Rooms A & B