State's best baggers face off

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.

The Best Bagger Competition, noon-1 p.m. Saturday at the Mall of America - Macy's Court. Sponsored by the Minnesota Grocers Association.

Twelve baggers, ranging in age from 17 to over 40, nominated by their stores.

• Byerly's, Eagan

• Chris' Food Center, Sandstone

• Cub Foods, Plymouth

• Coborn's Superstore, Little Falls

• Hy-Vee Food Store, New Ulm

• Jerry's Foods, Edina

• Jubilee Foods, Mound

• Lunds Marketplace, Minneapolis

• Mackenthun's Fine Foods, Waconia

• Kowalski's Grand Market, St. Paul

For the third year, reusable bags will be used in the competition.

The baggers are judged in four main categories:

• Weight distribution (having each bag weigh about the same)

• Proper packing (no eggs on the bottom)

• Style points (the grocery store version of "artistic impression" in figure skating)