Masonry Magazine January 1998 Page. 14
BlackLion and Interiors
Market Place
Under one roof, in a Convenient location and in a picturesque setting, Blacklion offers home decor from some of the most selective buyers in the Carolina's. An extensive collection of antiques, artwork, lamps, rugs, furniture, gifts and accessories of all style and tastes in over 243 show spaces. Marketplace adds over 45 unique interior shops under one roof.
Charlotte Speedway
A trip to Charlotte Speedway is a must for racing enthusiasts. Even though racing is the highlight and February is not racing season, the Speedway offers a video presentation of the facilities history. The Winston Souvenir Gift Shop has the largest assortment of Charlotte Motor Speedway and Winston Cup memorabilia in the world. With its proximity to area race team shops, the Speedway is a great place to start prior to visiting Darrell Waltrips Shop, Hendrick Motorsport shops and museum, and 600 Racing Inc., home of Legends Car racing.
Biltmore
Surrounded by rolling forestland, enhanced by a lagoon, an arboretum, azaleas, rose and formal walled gardens, Biltmore Estate was built for George W. Vanderbilt. Modeled after the elaborate 16th Century chateau of France's Loire Valley. Ever since it opened as a private home in 1895, Biltmore has excited interest for the balance of its design and the luxury of its amenities. Not only did it have the unheard of luxuries of central heating, indoor plumbing, electric lights and mechanical refrigeration, but guests could also enjoy a bowling alley, gymnasium and and indoor pool, astonishing features at the time. The grandson of industrialist, Cornelius Vanderbilt, George Vanderbilt decided to build his home in Ashville because of the mountain views and climate. Unlike some of his relatives who had their mansion and summer social scene in Newport, Rhode Island, Vanderbilt was concerned about land management, and he developed his estate into a productive farming and forestry enterprises.
EXPO'S FASTEST TROWEL CROWD FAVORITE
Mike Revas of Yocum Masonry, Redland, CA will be defending his 1997 Fastest Trowel on the Block title he earned in Phoenix. Nineteen other masons will be competing to unseat Revas as the fastest mason. The Fastest Trowel competition is a fun and fast paced event that showcases masonry craftsmanship, promotes masonry construction and encourages young people to consider careers in masonry. Jointly hosted by the Mason Contractors Association of America and the National Concrete Masonry Association and sponsored by Davis Colors the Competion has grown to be a favorite event by EXPO attendees. The Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition was inspired from the days of the Old West, where a great deal of rivalry existed as to who was the fastest gun alive. Many people, some of them legendary, made their living going from town to town showcasing their shooting skills. Although participants of the Fastest Trowel competition don't have to fear for their lives, they will have to face off with nineteen other masons from around the country see who in the fastest and most accurate mason in the industry. The competition begins on Saturday, February 20th with an elimination heat, with the top three contestants competing in the finals on Sunday afternoon, February 21st.
VICA Masonry Compitition Draws Strong Interest
The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America is the National organization serving trade, industrial technical and health occupational students in public schools. Each year, VICA holds a masonry National Competition in June in Kansas City. Last year, over forty students competed in the masonry competition. To get there, students must compete in local VICA competition, constructing masonry projects using both brick and block in a specified period of time. Nearly 130 students will compete during two days of competition to earn the right to compete in Kansas City later in June.