2006 Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition

Mike Canez, III, 2006 Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition winner.

The skill and speed of fifteen masons and their tenders were highlighted at Masonry Showcase's premier event in Las Vegas on March 29, 2006. The annual Fastest Trowel on the Block contest drew an audience of hundreds to the exhibit floor to catch the action and see who would win the $7,000 grand prize. Contestants came from across the country to compete against each other to build the biggest and best block wall.

The Fastest Trowel showcases the skill of the industry's masons and how important teamwork is in accomplishing a final product. The competition pitted the masons against one another in a show of both speed and craftsmanship. Each contestant's goal is to complete as much of an 18-block-long wall as possible. With the 20-minute time limit that is placed on the contestants, they must make split-second decisions based on the judging criteria. Only those masons who have the skill, confidence and courage to face off with the industry's best are invited to compete.

The contest was more exciting than ever, as all the masons built quickly and with great quality. The audience picked their favorites and cheered them on through the twenty minute competition. After the judges did their scoring, the results were announced.

The winners are:

Winners received trophies, plus first place took home $7,000, second place $2,500 and $1,000 to third place.

MCAA thanks QUIKRETE, the contest sponsor and contributor of labor and mortar. Other materials were contributed by Bon Tool, EZ Grout, Gatorback, Rinker and Sterling Handling Equipment.