The South Dakota Retailers Association is once again partnering with the State Fair to bring the Best Bagger Competition to the Freedom Stage on Saturday, September 5th at 11:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, NW French & Associates, and Prairie Farms, the Best Bagger Competition features some of the quickest hands in the grocery business. Contestants will see how they “stack up” during this fun, fast-paced, head-to-head competition.
“Last year was the first year we sent employees to the competition. It created quite a buzz in our stores and on social media leading up to the three of them competing,” said Rodney Messmer, Administrative Manager, Lynn’s Inc. “They all enjoyed the experience, and were minor celebrities in the stores when they got back. We also gained some content for our social media, posting pictures and videos of them competing. I would encourage store owners to try to get someone to represent them in the competition.”
Contestants will bag identical grocery orders and be judged on speed, technique, uniform bag weight, and presentation. Each participant will receive a cash prize and ‘swag’ bag, with first place earning $500 and an expenses-paid trip to compete at the National Grocers Association’s National Bagging Competition in Las Vegas, N.V., where the grand prize is $10,000.
“We had a record number of competitors last year “bagging” for the chance to compete at nationals,” said Carrie Wheelhouse, Services Director & Events Coordinator for the Retailers Association. “In fact, interest has grown so much that we now have to cap participation at 20. If you’re looking for a shot at that $10,000 national prize, or even the $5,000 prize for second place, don’t delay registration.”
Contestants competing in the South Dakota Best Bagger competition must spend more than 40 percent of their working time bagging groceries, must be of legal working age, and only one contestant per retail location is eligible. To register a contestant or learn more, visit sdra.org/bestbagger.
Thanks SDRA