A man who bags groceries in Gregory has earned the title of South Dakota’s Best Bagger. Brian Kalenda works at Buche Foods and won the top prize at the state competition held during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron (Aug. 31, 2024).
South Dakota Retailers Association Executive Director Nathan Sanderson says a total of 11 contestants from across the state went head-to-head to compete for the title.
“South Dakota is home to countless outstanding grocers. Hosting the Best Bagger Competition at the State Fair is the perfect opportunity to showcase our state’s grocery industry in an exciting way.”
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, Kalenda 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.
“I’m very proud to be here. Definitely looking forward to Nationals! I’ve been wanting to go there for the last four years.”
Ace Chief of Buche Foods in Pine Ridge took home second place and $200.
Participants included Kristen Murray of Fair City Foods in Huron, Cord Kreeger of Buche Foods in Wagner, 2x SD Best Bagger Elijah Schipper of Fareway Foods in Harrisburg, Leighton Carda of Buche Foods in Wagner, Laura Eagle Star of Coborns in Huron, Tayten Johnson of Buche Foods in Oacoma, Michael Iron Horse of Buche Foods in Mission, Devon Enno of Buche Foods in Mission, and Robert Laughter III of Buche Foods in Sisseton. Each received a $100 cash prize.
The contest is hosted by the South Dakota Retailers Association and sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, NW French & Associates and Prairie Farms.
Courtesy photo.
(Back, L-R) Michael Iron Horse, Robert Laughter III, Ace Chief, Leighton Carda, Elijah Schipper, and Tayten Johnson. (Front, L-R) Devon Enno, Brian Kalenda, Cord Kreeger, Kristen Murray, and Laura Eagle Star.
Courtesy photo.
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