State's best baggers face off

August 12, 2011 at 11:56PM

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 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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