2012 Event Schedule
We’re assembling an all-star lineup of special guests and travel experts to help you plan you next escape. The 2012 AAA Great Vacations EXPO will provide fun and convenient ways for you to learn about what’s new, what’s popular, and what’s best when it comes to your next vacation. See below for a complete AAA Travel Stage event schedule.
2012 SPECIAL GUESTS
Meet Travel Channel Star BERT KREISCHER on Sunday, January 22
The star of Travel Channel’s wildly popular Bert the Conqueror and popular standup comic, Bert Kreischer will appear at the EXPO on Sunday, January 22 at Noon and 2:30 p.m. Bringing his outrageously adventurous spirit, and his hilarious outlook on travel in general, Kreischer will share tales from behind the scenes at the Travel Channel, as well as his favorite picks for great vacations. Not only will you have an opportunity to ask Bert questions, but he’ll also sign autographs for EXPO guests following each appearance.
Lessons Learned From Globetrotting with Spud Hilton
Spud Hilton is the Travel Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, where in the past 12 years as a travel writer and photographer he has written about, reported on and been hopelessly lost in destinations on six continents. Join Spud as he shares tips for a richer travel experience and better travel photos, along with hilarious tales from the road and the skies. Spud will appear at the EXPO on Saturday, January 20 and on Sunday, January 21.
Insider Travel Tips with Bill Newcott
The EXPO is thrilled to welcome one of the world's top travel experts, Bill Newcott. Bill is the Travel and Entertainment Editor for AARP the Magazine and AARP.org, and will be a featured presenter on Prime Timers Day, presented by Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, taking place on the EXPO's opening day, Friday, January 20. Join Bill as he shares his best insider travel tips with EXPO guests.
Don’t Miss Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants
Nickelodeon star SpongeBob SquarePants will be visiting the EXPO on Kids Day, Saturday, January 21. This wildly popular pineapple-dwelling cartoon sponge who lives under the sea can’t wait to meet you.
A Walk in the Woods with Vesna Plakanis
Acclaimed adventure guide Vesna Plakanis will be appear be at the EXPO on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22. As a professional guide for more than a decade, Plakanis will share her professional tips on how to truly experience one of our nation’s great treasures, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Meet Snoopy
EXPO guests will have the chance to meet and pose for photos with everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy, who spends his summers at Cedar Point. Snoopy will be visiting the EXPO on Kids Day, Saturday, January 21.
Meet our other Kids Day stars: a Zebra, Camel, Porcupine and Kangaroo
On Kids Day, Saturday, January 21, The Farm at Walnut Creek, from Ohio's celebrated Amish Country, transforms the AAA Travel Stage into a full-fledged menagerie as the farm's entertaining crew brings a host of interesting animals for guests to see.
Test your Ohio knowledge with Lute Harmon, Jr.
Muster up your knowledge of Ohio trivia and join us at the AAA Travel Stage at 4 p.m. on Friday, January 20 for the Ohio Magazine Trivia Game. Publisher Lute Harmon, Jr. will lead a rousing round of Ohio trivia, offering great prizes for winners and participants.
Good Harmonies with The Loose Strings Band
Direct from the Blue Ridge Mountains, and courtesy of our friends at Virginia Tourism, the EXPO is pleased to welcome The Loose Strings Band. This all teen bluegrass band will entertain EXPO guests on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22. The band will be available to meet and greet in the Virginia Tourism exhibit between performances.
AAA TRAVEL STAGE SCHEDULE
| Friday, January 20 - Prime Timers Day presented by Hoosier Park Racing & Casino | |
| 1:00 p.m. | A Tribute to the Crooners presented by Hoosier Park Racing & Casino |
| 2:00 p.m. | Experience the Caribbean with Travel Impressions |
| 3:00 p.m. | Insider Travel Tips with one of the world's top travel experts, Bill Newcott, Travel and Entertainment Editor for AARP the Magazine |
| 4:00 p.m. | Ohio Travel Trivia with Ohio Magazine Publisher Lute Harmon, Jr. |
| 4:30 p.m. | A Tribute to the Crooners presented by Hoosier Park Racing & Casino |
| 5:00 p.m. | Five Lessons Learned From Globetrotting with Spud Hilton, Travel Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle |
| 6:00 p.m. | A Tribute to the Crooners presented by Hoosier Park Racing & Casino |
| 7:00 p.m. | Explore Island Wines, a wine tasting with Robbie Morrow of Put-in-Bay Winery |
| Saturday, January 21 - Kids Day | |
| 11:00 a.m. | Columbus ChildrenŐs Choir, brought to you by the 2012 World Choir Games, taking place this summer in Cincinnati |
| 11:30 a.m. | Get the Family Ready for Travel with professional organizer Miriam Bogard |
| 12:00 p.m. | Baby Animal Menagerie with The Farm at Walnut Creek |
| 2:00 p.m. | Stick Horse Rodeo with Marmon Valley Farm |
| 3:00 p.m. | Junior Park Ranger Swearing In Ceremony with Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial |
| 4:00 p.m. | Seven Reasons Your Travel Photos Stink with Spud Hilton, Travel Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle |
| 5:00 p.m. | Good Harmonies with The Loose Strings Band, an all teen bluegrass band from the Blue Ridge Mountains |
| 6:00 p.m. | A Walk in the Woods: Hiking the Great Smoky Mountains with adventure guide Vesna Plakanis |
| 7:00 p.m. | Experience the Caribbean with Travel Impressions |
| Sunday, January 22 | |
| 11:00 a.m. | A Walk in the Woods: Hiking the Great Smoky Mountains with adventure guide Vesna Plakanis |
| 12:00 p.m. | Travel Channel Star Bert Kreischer |
| 1:00 p.m. | Good Harmonies with The Loose Strings Band, an all teen bluegrass band from the Blue Ridge Mountains |
| 1:30 p.m. | Insider Travel Tips with Travel Writer Steve Stephens of The Columbus Dispatch |
| 2:30 p.m. | Travel Channel Star Bert Kreischer |
| 4:00 p.m. | Experience the Caribbean with Travel Impressions |
