March 13, 2026 Benchmark Abrasives

Ben Evilsizor (Naxja Winterfest)

Welcome to this month's #benchmarkspotlight Beyond the Bench series - we had the opportunity to sit down with Ben from Naxja Winterfest and talk a little about the festival.

If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!

Name: Ben Evilsizor

Event Name: Naxja Winterfest 2026

Location: Badlands Offroad Park Attica, IN

Socials: FB: Naxja Winterfest

Website: www.Naxja.org

Tell us about the event — what’s it called, how did it start, how long has it been around, and what community does it bring together?

The club is based off of the Jeep XJ and MJ platforms. This will be our 26th year putting this event that draws in people from all over the country for a weekend of hitting the trails and spending time with good friends.

Tell us a little about yourself and your role in this event. How did you get involved?

My name is Ben Evilsizor and I am currently the President of the Midwest chapter of Naxja. I have been involved with this club since around 2013 and have held multiple positions in our Midwest chapter along with our National chapter.

For someone who’s never attended an event like this, how would you describe it in a few words?

We have guided trail runs on Friday and Saturday with difficulty from easy to extreme. Great way to get out and enjoy the trails and meet great people who are all in it for the same thing.

What inspired you to create or host this event, and what problem or need does it serve within your community?

This is an event that our chapter puts on each year in March to bring us all together and enjoy Naxja and the great outdoors.

What makes this event different from others in the same space?

There are lots of great events out there. I feel what makes this one special is after 26 years of putting it on you gain some really great friends that you soon call family. This is a great way to get together and see everyone. Everybody helps each other out and makes sure everyone has a good time.

Events like this don’t happen overnight. What goes into preparing for it behind the scenes?

We have months of planning that goes into this event covering everything from securing the venue, food for the banquet, lining up trail leaders, and gathering items for our raffle.

You’re bringing together people from different backgrounds, states, or skill levels. What do you think draws them all together?

For starters, would be the love for the Jeep XJ and MJ. That's where we all started and what got us all involved with Naxja. From there it all just grew and continues to evolve and bring in new members.

Many events also give back in some way. Can you share how this event supports a cause, organization, or future opportunity for others?

The event mostly supports the Midwest Chapter of Naxja.

Hands-on work usually comes with messes, long days, and real effort. Are there any tools, products, or routines that help keep things running smoothly? (We’re big believers in Scrubnutz for cleanup days.)

I would say the special tools needed to put on an event like this are all the volunteers. Without the Board of Directors, trail leaders, and all the other volunteers we have, we couldn't do it without all of them. It's a group effort.

What’s been one of the most memorable moments you’ve experienced at one of these events?

There are lots of memorable moments. From big bonfires on Saturday night, racing Power Wheels down hills, to even a wedding. You just never know what's gonna happen at an event.

Looking ahead, what’s the long-term vision for this event, and what do you hope people take away after attending?

I'm hoping this event keeps going for many years to come. As long as people are still interested in coming we will continue to put on the event.