Plans for the Utah Tree Climbing Championship are well under way. The climbers are honing their skills and the organizing committee is working out the details to make this year's contest the best ever.

The championship has been extended to a two-day event to accommodate the increasing number of participants. Climbers will compete in three events on Friday and two events on Saturday with the Master Challenge Climb at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Plan to attend the event on May 17 -19 at the Layton Common Park.

There will be an equipment check on the evening of May 17th as per ISA requirements.

The Master's Challenge winner will earn $1000 as a grand prize. The second place winner will receive $300 and the third place winner will get $200. Individual event winners will win $100.

The winner will compete in the International Tree Climbing Championship in conjunction with the International Society of Arboriculture Annual Conference August 11 and 12 in Portland, Oregon.

To compete, tree climbers must be UCFC members in good standing by January 31, 2012 and live and work within 300 miles of Salt Lake City.

The fun is not limited to the adults swinging in the trees, it will also include fun for the family and friends. Children can try their hand at the craft in the children's tree climb or they can enjoy a pony ride. Lunch and entertainment will also be a part of this celebration.