Minnesota's Snow Plow Names Unveiled: Meet The Winners

Joon Kim

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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The Winning Snow Plow Names and Their Stories

The winning snow plow names represent the best of Minnesota creativity, humor, and winter spirit. This year's selections reflect the state's iconic landscape, its love of hockey, and a healthy dose of Minnesotan wit. While pictures aren't available for every plow, we'll do our best to paint a picture!

• Name 1: Blizzard of Oz - This whimsical entry evokes the magical world of Oz while acknowledging the powerful winter storms Minnesota experiences. Its playful nature resonated with the judges, showcasing the perfect blend of creativity and Minnesotan charm. The submitter, a librarian from Duluth, said the name came to her while reading a winter-themed children's book.

• Name 2: The Snow Cone - A simple yet effective name that cleverly connects the snowy conditions with a popular summer treat. Its unexpected juxtaposition makes it memorable and fun, capturing the essence of Minnesota's surprising weather patterns. This entry, submitted anonymously, highlights the creative power of simple ideas.

• Name 3: Ice Breaker – A classic and powerful name, perfectly suited for the task of clearing icy roads. The straightforwardness of "Ice Breaker" speaks to the vital work these snow plows perform for Minnesotans each winter. This winning name was submitted by a high school student from Rochester who enjoys winter sports.

• Name 4: Paul Bunyan's Plow – A nod to Minnesota's legendary lumberjack, Paul Bunyan, this name is both strong and recognizable. It cleverly ties the snowplow's function to the state's folklore, emphasizing the monumental task of snow removal.

• Name 5: The North Star's Chaser – evoking the imagery of navigating the night sky during a blizzard, this entry showcases a more poetic and adventurous side of the snowplow naming contest. The clever wordplay and strong imagery resonated with the judges.

The Minnesota Snow Plow Naming Contest: A Tradition of Community Engagement

The Minnesota snow plow naming contest is more than just a fun competition; it's a testament to the strong sense of community in Minnesota. This annual event, run by MnDOT, has become increasingly popular since its inception five years ago.

• Contest History: The contest began in 2019 as a way to engage the public and raise awareness about the importance of winter road safety and the hard work of snow plow operators.

• Contest Goals: The primary goal is to increase public awareness of winter road maintenance and the dedication of MnDOT crews. It also serves as a fun, creative outlet for Minnesotans, fostering a sense of community and shared pride.

• Number of Entries: Each year sees thousands of entries, demonstrating the enthusiasm Minnesotans have for this unique event.

• Selection Process: Winning names are chosen by a panel of judges from MnDOT, considering creativity, originality, and appropriateness. There's no public vote, emphasizing the quality and unique nature of the selected names.

The Impact of Creative Snow Plow Names

The impact of the creative snow plow names extends beyond just a fun competition. Giving these vital pieces of winter road maintenance equipment fun names has a significant positive impact on both the operators and the public.

• Improved Morale: The fun names boost the morale of snow plow operators, recognizing their essential work during harsh winter conditions.

• Increased Public Awareness: The creative names make winter road maintenance more relatable and engaging for the public, highlighting the important role of MnDOT in keeping roads safe.

• Community Pride: The contest fosters a sense of community pride, bringing people together in a shared celebration of Minnesota's spirit and resilience.

• Improved Visibility: The unique names help the public more easily identify snow plows, increasing their awareness and potentially avoiding collisions.

Tips for Submitting Your Own Creative Snow Plow Name Next Year

Want to be a part of the fun next year? Here are some tips to increase your chances of winning:

• Be creative and original: Think outside the box and come up with a name that is truly unique and memorable.

• Consider Minnesota-specific themes: Draw inspiration from Minnesota's culture, landscape, or history. Think hockey, lakes, or even the legendary Paul Bunyan!

• Keep it concise and memorable: A shorter name is easier to remember and will be more effective on the snowplow itself.

• Follow contest guidelines carefully: Pay close attention to the rules and regulations of the contest to ensure your submission is eligible.

Conclusion

The Minnesota snow plow naming contest has once again showcased the creative spirit and community engagement of Minnesotans. The winning names, from the whimsical to the powerful, reflect the state's unique character and the importance of winter road safety. Remember the winning names and the stories behind them – they represent the heart of Minnesota’s winter spirit. Remember to drive carefully and be aware of the hardworking snowplows keeping Minnesota's roads safe!

Keep an eye out for next year's Minnesota snow plow naming contest! Learn more about Minnesota’s winter road maintenance efforts on the MnDOT website and get involved in next year's Minnesota snow plow naming contest!