Big week comes for big outdoors shows around Chicago

Outdoors show season around Chicago opens with a big bang and changes this week with two of the biggest shows.

The most venerable show, the Chicago Boat Show, opens today at a new venue at Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. While Tinley Park Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo was moved a month earlier, opening Friday at the Tinley Park Convention Center. There's also the Chicago RV Show opening Friday at the Schaumburg Convention Center.

I plan to review opening day of the two big shows.

The Tinley Expo feels like home, down to the list of seminar speakers: Mike Norris, Jim "The Crappie Professor" Kopjo, Capt. Chris Taurisano, Ken "Husker" O'Malley, Jim O'Neil, Capt. Pat Harrison, Johnny Wilkins, Mike Mladenik, Jeffrey Bailey and Capt. Keith Cortopassi.

I'm curious to see how the Boat Show sets up in Rosemont, which doesn't have Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive out the window.

Basics:

Chicago Boat Show, Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, today-Sunday, Jan. 8-12

Tinley Park Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo, Tinley Park Convention Center, Friday-Sunday, Jan. 10-12

Chicago RV Show, Schaumburg Convention Center, Friday-Sunday, Jan. 10-12