If you bag your own groceries and want to see how the job is really done, you can see the pros in action this weekend.
State's best baggers face off
THE CONTEST:
The Best Bagger Competition, noon-1 p.m. Saturday at the Mall of America - Macy's Court. Sponsored by the Minnesota Grocers Association.
THE CONTESTANTS:
Twelve baggers, ranging in age from 17 to over 40, nominated by their stores.
THE STORES:
• Byerly's, Eagan
• Chris' Food Center, Sandstone
• Cub Foods, Plymouth
• Coborn's Superstore, Little Falls
• Fareway Stores, Inc., Stewartville
• Hy-Vee Food Store, New Ulm
• Jerry's Foods, Edina
• Jubilee Foods, Mound
• Lunds Marketplace, Minneapolis
• Mackenthun's Fine Foods, Waconia
• Village Market, Prior Lake
• Kowalski's Grand Market, St. Paul
THE BAGS:
For the third year, reusable bags will be used in the competition.
THE JUDGING:
The baggers are judged in four main categories:
• Weight distribution (having each bag weigh about the same)
• Proper packing (no eggs on the bottom)
• Timing (bagging is about speed as well as accuracy)
• Style points (the grocery store version of "artistic impression" in figure skating)
THE PAYOFF:
Besides bragging rights, the winner gets $500 from the Minnesota Grocers Association and a trip to the national competition at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas in February. The top prize there is $10,000.
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