Fast hands, steady lines, and a clean finish were all on the clock Friday as 20 of Sacramento County’s top masons competed in what organizers call one of the most prestigious masonry contests in the country: the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 Regional Series.
Hosted at Brickyard Building Materials, the regional event is part of the “Road to Las Vegas,” a nationwide lineup that measures speed, skill, and stamina. Competitors have 60 minutes to build the highest 26-foot-long brick wall they can while still meeting the standard that matters most on real jobsites: craftsmanship.
That mix of production and quality is why the contest draws attention from mason contractors and suppliers. It is also why organizers keep the focus on more than bragging rights. Event leaders used the competition to talk openly about the need for more people in the trade and to show what modern bricklaying looks like when it is done well and done fast.
Education was a key theme in Sacramento County. A high school team was invited to take part, giving students a close-up look at the pace, teamwork, and pride that go into masonry work. For contractors, it is a reminder that recruiting is not just about job postings. It is about putting the craft on display, letting young people meet working masons, and showing that there is a career path in the trade.
The winner of the Sacramento County competition advances to the World Championship at World of Concrete 2027 in January.
Read the full, original article from KCRA here.