2008 Festival Of Trees and
MSA Tree Climbing Championship

This year the 2008 MSA Tree Climbing Championship and the Festival of Trees took place on Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, 18th at 1497 Central Parkway, Central Park, Eagan, Minnesota. It is held by the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture to promote proper and innovative arboricultural climbing techniques and equipment through friendly competition and fun educational activities. This competition welcomes both male and female professional climbers of all skill levels and ages. A total of forty-five participants competed in five exciting and strenuous events; Work Climb, Speed Climb, Throw Line, Foot Lock, and Aerial Rescue.

Rainbow Treecare again was a major sponsor and participated in judging and competition. Veteran climber Ben Cooper (a 2005 Masters Challenger Competitor) was a judge for the Work Climb Competition. Rainbow also had six climbers entered in the events; Corey Schulte, Cam Seivert, Nick Grebe, Kevin Meyer, Joe Shefland and Frank Jakowich. Joe Shefland took 1st place in Saturday’s Foot Lock competition with a winning score of 21.5 seconds. This was his first time competing and went on to take 4th place in the Masters Challenge on Sunday.

All six Rainbow competitors did a great job. Congratulations, Guys!

Other family friendly events that took place in the park on Saturday included:

• children’s wall climbing
• zip line ride
• rope climbing
• book reading and music
• Arbor Day Poster award winners
• tree planting and rain garden installation
• appearances by Smokey the Bear, Woodsey Owl, and Elmer the Elm Tree
• educational and vender booths

The Festival of Trees and Tree Climbing Championship is an annual affair and welcomes the public to attend. See the challenges that our tree professionials are exposed to in their everyday work. Check the Rainbow Treecare website in May 2009 to find out where the next competition will be held. Plan to attend with your family and friends next year!