January 27, 2010 8:26 AM CST

Watch the Fastest Masons Compete in Vegas

MCAA's Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition

By Tim O’Toole

Cheer on the industry’s best masons as they compete to become the 2010 Fastest Trowel on the Block Champion!

The Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition, hosted by the MCAA and presented by QUIKRETE, is a showcase of industry craftsmanship and a testament of both the speed and skill of our industry's workforce. Only those journeymen masons who have the skill, confidence and courage to face-off with the industry's best are invited to compete.

The competition will pit journeyman masons, accompanied by their two favorite tenders, against one another in a show of both speed and craftsmanship. Each contestant's goal is to complete as much of an 18-blocklong wall as possible, using 8"x8"x16" CMU and the provided mortar in a twenty-minute heat. Contestants must have a high degree of workmanship using normal masonry practices and hand tools.

The competition will be held Thursday, February 4 at 12:00 PM in the Gold Lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center in the front of North Hall. Bleacher seating will be available and the competition will be broadcast from a jumbotron to make sure you don't miss any of the action. Plus there will be audience giveaways, music, and more!

For more information about the competition including rules, a list of past winners and video of last year’s competition, please visit www.fastesttrowel.com.

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About the Author

Tim O’Toole is the Director of Marketing, Education, and Information Technology for the MCAA. He has a Masters in Business Administration from Webster University and has worked in the masonry industry since 2003.