Minnesota Snow Plow Naming Contest Winners Announced

Joon Kim

4 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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The Winning Snow Plow Names & Their Inspiration

The MnDOT snow plow naming contest yielded some truly creative and Minnesota-centric winners. These aren't just ordinary snow plows; they're now beloved members of the Minnesota winter landscape, each with a unique personality reflected in its new name. Here are the winning names, along with their inspiration and assigned plow numbers:

• "Ctrl+Alt+De-Ice" (#47): This clever tech-inspired name perfectly captures the modern Minnesota spirit, blending technology with the essential task of de-icing our roads. The submitter, a local software engineer, expressed their enthusiasm for the practical application of technology in solving winter challenges.

• "Blizzard of Oz" (#12): A whimsical name that evokes the magic and wonder often associated with Minnesota winters, hinting at the transformative power of a significant snowfall. The imagery conjured by this name is playful yet fitting for a machine battling harsh winter conditions.

• "The North Star Plow" (#83): This patriotic and fitting name reflects Minnesota's strong sense of identity and its position as a northern state. The image of the North Star guiding the plow through snowy conditions symbolizes hope and resilience against the winter elements. (Image of plow #83 with "The North Star Plow" displayed prominently).

• "Snow Much Fun" (#22): A lighthearted and catchy name perfect for spreading cheer during snowy days, this is a true reflection of the light hearted spirit of Minnesotans. (Image of plow #22 with "Snow Much Fun" displayed prominently)

• "Scoop There It Is" (#61): A playful take on a popular catchphrase, this name is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face while acknowledging the vital work of snow removal. (Image of plow #61 with "Scoop There It Is" displayed prominently)

The Impact of the Minnesota Snow Plow Naming Contest

The Minnesota snow plow naming contest proved to be far more than just a fun competition. It had a significant positive impact on several levels:

• Increased Public Awareness: The contest significantly increased public awareness of MnDOT's vital role in winter road maintenance and the challenges faced by the department's crews.

• Enhanced Community Engagement: The contest fostered community involvement and participation in state initiatives, demonstrating the power of public engagement in government programs. Thousands of Minnesotans actively participated in submitting names, showcasing a strong sense of civic pride.

• Positive Media Attention: The contest generated significant positive media coverage and social media buzz, showcasing the creative spirit of Minnesota residents and highlighting the important work of MnDOT. This positive attention has undoubtedly enhanced the public perception of the Department's efforts.

• Boost to Morale: This contest boosted the morale of the MnDOT workers responsible for winter road maintenance, recognizing and celebrating their essential and often arduous work.

Behind the Scenes: The Judging Process and Selection Criteria

The selection process for the winning snow plow names was rigorous and transparent. MnDOT received over 15,000 entries! A panel of judges, including MnDOT employees and representatives from the Minnesota tourism board, evaluated submissions based on:

• Originality: How unique and creative was the name?
• Minnesota Connection: How well did the name reflect Minnesota's culture, geography, or history?
• Appropriateness: Was the name suitable for a public-facing vehicle?

The judging panel carefully considered each entry, ensuring that the winning names were both memorable and representative of Minnesota's spirit.

The Future of Minnesota Snow Plow Naming

Given the overwhelming success of this year's contest, MnDOT is actively exploring the possibility of future snow plow naming contests. They recognize the value of community engagement and the positive impact these initiatives have on public awareness and morale. Furthermore, the named snow plows will likely continue to be featured in MnDOT's winter outreach programs, further solidifying their place in the state's winter identity.

• Future Contests: MnDOT is currently evaluating the possibility of annual or biannual naming contests.
• Expanded Initiatives: Similar community engagement projects related to transportation infrastructure and safety are under consideration.
• Long-term Benefits: The success of the program demonstrates the effectiveness of leveraging public participation in government initiatives.

Conclusion

The Minnesota snow plow naming contest was a phenomenal success, generating significant excitement and reinforcing the critical role of MnDOT in maintaining safe winter roads. The winning names—a blend of wit, creativity, and Minnesota pride—are a testament to the state's vibrant spirit. They also highlight the importance of safe winter roads and the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to maintain them.

Call to Action: Learn more about MnDOT's winter road maintenance efforts and keep an eye out for future Minnesota snow plow naming contests! Share your favorite winning Minnesota snow plow name on social media using #MNSnowPlows!