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One For The Ages - The 75th Midyear

Words: Mason Hill, Ruth Hill

In my personal experience with this organization, there is room for anyone who has a desire to be involved. My name is Ruth Hill, and I was invited to write this brief piece for Midyear. I hope to have included all the details that I would have liked to know before attending my first one. I am grateful to the many wonderful men and women of the MCAA who welcomed me and gave me a place to sit among them from the start.

“One for the ages” is how I would describe the upcoming Midyear to anyone who has never attended or is undecided about attending the MCAA's 75th Anniversary at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, September 7-11, 2025.

In short, “one for the ages” means something so remarkable or memorable it will be remembered for a very long time, describing an event, performance, or moment that is exceptionally noteworthy and will be talked of for ages to come. Fittingly, in 1950 at this very location, the signing of the MCAA's charter took place. I can only imagine that was a pretty memorable affair at the time, and now, 75 years later, we will revisit this historic site, and it is anyone's guess what shenanigans Chairman Dentinger has up his sleeve to commemorate this momentous event.

Each year, the MCAA staff and the current MCAA chairman collaborate to determine the best location for this annual event. The location changes yearly and, as I understand, is loosely based on the current Chairman's home state area or a specific place of interest. This time-consuming process actually begins one or two years in advance with in-person visits to potential destinations to ensure the location of each Midyear has adequate amenities, is in ideal proximity to an airport, and is large enough to facilitate our expansive group. Once that has been determined, depending on pricing and availability, a decision is made, and MCAA announces the date and location of the upcoming Midyear.

The MCAA website is updated to include all the information needed to make your travel plans, typically listing closest airports, available car rentals or shuttle options (this year boat and ferry boat), driving directions to the event, etc. There is also a link to register your party, select desired lodging accommodations, and get signed up for any of the optional extra events (such as golfing or tours) that will be offered at that Midyear.

Each day follows a carefully curated schedule that allows for maximum productivity in a minimum amount of time while still giving attendees plenty of time to explore and enjoy the destination with family and friends. Each Midyear typically includes an opening reception & dinner, committee chair meetings, contractor roundtable, golf, a local tour or other adventure, and lastly, a closing dinner ceremony. MCAA sends out an email closer to Midyear with this specific information along with any other important need-to-know details, such as if there is a dress code, if there will be any formal or black-tie events, and general weather predictions that are expected for the duration of time there. This information is useful to know when packing, especially when staying on an island. This schedule can also be found on the MCAA website, and the friendly MCAA staff are just a phone call away if you have any questions.

The first year I attended, I had no idea what to expect. I had never been where we were going, and I had never met anyone from the MCAA. All I had to go off of was stories from my husband of the trip he had taken with them to D.C. I was cautiously optimistic about a multi-day convention with a group of masonss (as I understood it to be) but agreed to go; if nothing else, it would be a vacation from life. I envisioned days of R&R at the resort. My plan went awry upon arrival, and I soon learned that what we had just stepped into was a seemingly endless stream of members, owners, employees, rivals, and sales reps, along with their families, celebrating their time together as if it were an unofficial family reunion. Maybe the timing was right, or maybe I was just lucky. Either way, there was no time for R&R. My days were filled with introductions, meetings that I was welcome to sit in and observe (optional, of course), or pre-scheduled events such as golf or an adventure activity that everyone was welcome to participate in. The evenings were filled with dinners, drinks, and mischief that can only be described if remembered. By the time it was over, I needed a vacation from my vacation and had a whole new understanding of “come a stranger, leave a friend.” From that Midyear forward, we threw all in on this group of friends that have become as family and have never looked back.

My husband, Mason Hill, VP of Hill Masonry Inc., Billings, Montana, has been involved in multiple committees with the MCAA since 2016 and currently co-chairs the Generation Next Committee along with Liz Graves. It is important for us to attend this annual event as it promotes the continued support of the masonry industry and gives us the opportunity to network with other masonry companies and suppliers, which is vital to the success of the masonry industry. It is obvious that this group has put in the effort over the years to make this event what it is today, and it does not disappoint.

We hope you join us this Midyear in tribute to the 75th anniversary of the MCAA.

Cheers to the next 75!

—

Fun Fact: The traditional theme and color scheme used to symbolize a 75th anniversary or milestone is diamond white, thus representing purity, strength, and undying dedication. Ironically, this theme is a spot-on reflection of MCAA's current chairman, Dick Dentinger, from his shock of diamond white hair, strength of character he has shown as a leader over the years, and his undying dedication to the continued success of Masonry and this organization for future generations.


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