Giant gum trees surrounding the duckpond at Davidson Reserve will be teaming with more than wildlife this October, when Kapunda hosts an international freestyle tree climbing competition.
Light Regional Council Mayor Bill O’Brien may not be entering the unique competition, but the excitement over his home town presenting “Red Bull Branched Out” had him flying almost as high as those registered to compete.
“We’re pretty happy,” Mayor O’Brien said.
“This would have to be the biggest international event to take place here in Kapunda.”
Staged among the reserve’s 25-30 metre high trees, “Red Bull Branched Out” is described as an exciting, physically challenging four-round elimination speed tree climbing competition with $25,000 in cash and more than $50,000 worth of equipment in the prize pool.
The event is set to attract up to 150 international competitors and their supporters along with fifty crew and technicians who will set up and deliver more than 400 event starts during the two days of competition held on October 18 and 19.
Mayor O’Brien said the free, family friendly event would attract many spectators to Kapunda and, aside from promoting community well-being, it would also provide a welcome boost to the economy.
“The thing that is so good about it is it’s so unique. We are not just playing follow the leader, we are the leader!” said Mayor O’Brien.
“We are putting something on for a whole new cohort of people that’s attracted attention from throughout the world. The Barossa and our region here is trying to attract that attention - what better brand can we have behind it than Red Bull.”
Council agreed to contribute $10,000 from its tourism budget towards the event which is run by Arboriculture Australia and Red Bull Australia.