2008 Arizona Masonry & Hardscape Expo

By Lori Maximenko

Registration for the “Masonry: It Makes A Village”, the "Fastest Trowel on the Block" and "Toughest Tenders" Competitions and the "Masonry Skills Challenge" is available on www.masonryforlife.com. To learn more about these competitions and the registration deadlines, please review the information listed below.

The Arizona Masonry Contractors Association (AMCA), the Arizona Masonry Guild, Inc. (AMG) and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) Arizona Chapter will host the 2008 Arizona Masonry & Hardscape Expo on November 14-15, 2008 at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa.

The Expo consists of masonry competitions and “How to” demonstrations on popular hardscape and masonry products including concrete masonry units, concrete pavers, segmental retaining walls, simulated and natural stone.

Masonry: It Makes A Village

What one of a kind structure could you design and build with a limited amount of concrete masonry units, brick, and stone? That’s precisely the challenge teams face in the “Masonry: It Makes a Village” Competition.

The “Masonry: It Makes A Village” Competition is a timed event in which each team must design and build the most creative and original “village” structure using brick, block, natural and simulated stone, glass block and architectural precast. Each team will be comprised of at least one architect and one masonry contractor working side by side on the design and construction of the “Village” structure. Visit www.masonryforlife.com to see the winning projects from the “2007 Masonry: It Makes A Village” competition.

Fastest Trowel on the Block & Toughest Tender Competition

Watch Arizona's best compete for the right to be named the “Fastest Trowel” on the Block and the “Toughest Tenders”.

Prior to the “Fastest Trowel on the Block” competition, each team’s tenders will prove to the crowd who is the fastest in the “Toughest Tenders” contest.

The Masonry Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Region G, “Fastest Trowel on the Block” competition will pit the best of Arizona’s journeyman masons, accompanied by their two favorite tenders. Each contestant’s goal is to build the largest block wall, using 8”x8”x16” CMU and the provided mortar in 20 minutes- excelling in both speed and craftsmanship.

The "Fastest Trowel" registration deadline is Friday, October 31, 2008.

Masonry Skills Challenge

The Skills Challenge showcases the training of first, second, and third year masonry apprentices and high school construction education students. In this competition, contestants are given a project drawing appropriate to their skill level and must layout and construct the project in 3 hours. Come observe the next generation of journeymen masons as they compete to qualify for the "MCAA International Skills Competition" in Las Vegas, NV next January.

The "Masonry Skills Challenge" registration deadline is Friday, October 31, 2008.

If you are interested in learning more about these competitions, please contact the Arizona Masonry Guild at 602.265.5999 or via email info@masonryforlife.com. You can also download a registration brochure at www.masonryforlife.com.

How To Demonstrations

Members of ICPI and AMG specializing in hardscape and masonry products such as concrete pavers, segmental retaining walls, concrete masonry units, natural and simulated stone will be on hand to tell you about their products. At these live demonstrations, learn more about:

The latest trends in Hardscape, Natural and Simulated Stone.

Proper installation methods for concrete pavers, segmental retaining walls, natural and simulated stone.

How to select a qualified installer.

Information on where to buy these products.

Demonstrations are free and open to the public; they will be held continuously throughout the day on Saturday, November 15th from 8 am to 2 pm.

For more information on the Arizona Masonry & Hardscape Expo call the Arizona Masonry Guild at 602.265.5999.