HURON — Brian Kalenda of Buche Foods in Gregory took the top prize at the South Dakota Best Bagger Competition on Aug. 31.

Hosted by the South Dakota Retailers Association and sponsored by Associated Wholesale Grocers, NW French & Associates, and Prairie Farms, 11 contestants from across the state went head to head to compete for the title of South Dakota’s Best Bagger.

“South Dakota is home to countless outstanding grocers,” said Retailers 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.”

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. Ace Chief of Buche Foods in Pine Ridge took home second place and $200.

“I’m very proud to be here,” Kalenda said of his fourth attempt at claiming the title of South Dakota’s Best Bagger. “Definitely looking forward to Nationals! I’ve been wanting to go there for the last four years.”

Participants included Kristen Murray of Fair City Foods in Huron, Cord Kreeger of Buche Foods in Wagner, two-time South Dakota 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.