HURON — 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 11:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, NW French & Associates, and Prairie Farms, 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 Peggy Besch, State Fair manager. “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, where the grand prize is $10,000.

“South Dakota is home to countless outstanding grocers,” said association executive director 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.