SEPTEMBER 6, 2023:
Returning champion Elijah Schipper from Fareway Stores in Harrisburg took the top prize at the South Dakota Best Bagger Competition on September 2, 2023.
Hosted by the South Dakota Retailers Association and sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, NW French & Associates, and Prairie Farms, seven contestants from across the state went head-to-head to compete for the title of South Dakota’s Best Bagger.
“The Best Bagger Competition is always great fun for everybody involved,” said Retailers Association Exec. Dir. Nathan Sanderson. “We had some impressive contestants and a rowdy crowd this year, and we can’t wait to cheer on Elijah at the National competition in Las Vegas.”
All contestants bagged identical grocery orders and were judged on speed, bag building technique, uniform bag weight, and personal attitude and appearance.
As the top prize winner, Schipper received $500 cash and an expenses-paid trip to compete at the National Grocers Association’s National Competition in Las Vegas, where he has the chance to win $10,000. Kristen Murray from Fair City Foods in Huron took home second place and $200.
“It was a great competition today,” Schipper started on his back-to-back win. “It was good to see all the people that showed out, it was just as fun as last year, and I’m looking forward to going back to Vegas!”
Participants included Brian Kalenda of Buche Foods Gregory, Quenton Walls of Coborns Huron, Daniel Jones of Murdo Family Foods, Brayden Kellough of Buche Foods Sisseton, and Andrew Dixson of Buche Foods Oacoma. Each received a $100 cash prize.
AUGUST 15, 2023:
The South Dakota Retailers Association is once again partnering with the State Fair to bring the Best Bagger Competition to the Freedom Stage on Sept. 2 at 11:30am.
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.
“The South Dakota State Fair is where South Dakotans let their talents shine, and that includes bagging groceries! We are proud to host the fastest baggers at the fair,” said State Fair Manager Peggy Besch. “The competition brings a unique attraction for our amazing State Fair guests.”
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.
“South Dakota is home to countless outstanding grocers,” said Retailers Association Exec. Dir. Nathan Sanderson. “Hosting the Best Bagger Competition at the State Fair is the perfect opportunity to showcase our state’s grocery industry in an exciting way.”
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.
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