Athletic arborists from across the world will race to the top of Wichita trees this weekend.
The North American Open Masters tree climbing championship will be held at Oak Park. The competition is set to feature 40 of the speediest climbers from Canada, Sweden, France and the United States — including two Wichita climbers.
According to its website, the event is a modern tree climbing competition that also demonstrates safe arboriculture work practices.
The event will kick off with an aerial rescue training demonstration Friday at 8 a.m., followed by a head-to-head laser light show race Friday evening. The masters competitions will take place Saturday and Sunday.
The top five scorers from Saturday’s challenges will compete for the title Sunday. Last year’s champion, Wichita’s Bryan Brock, will be back to defend his title.
Wichita Park and Recreation is sponsoring the annual championships for the second year in a row. The event is open to the public and will feature food trucks and activities for kids.
Ray Strunk is an intern in the KMUW News Lab.