Popular Contest is Back in Minnesota

You know winter is here when you spot a snowplow on the roads. Snowplows are truly an essential winter item when it comes to Minnesota but sadly, one thing seems to be missing from these vehicle beasts - a name. Thankfully, you can help change that.

One exciting tradition in Minnesota is what we call "Name A Snowplow Contest". And the Minnesota Department of Transportation just announced that it is once again time to send in your creative names.

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Name The Snowplow Contest Is Back For Its 5th Year in Minnesota

It's time to get that creative cap on (or open up ChatGPT) and come up with some amazing names for this year's Name a Snowplow Contest" in Minnesota. I'll share the details of the contest below but first, how about a little bit of inspiration to help get those creative juices going.

The past few years, there have been some amazing snowplow name winners! Here are a few...

Winners Of The MNDOT Name A Snowplow Contest

Get the details about the winning names for the MNDOT Name A Snowplow Contest.

Gallery Credit: Steve Tanko

Last year, the winners had a theme of mostly mega superstars in the music industry and movies!

This year, the names are up to you.

Enter Your Name Ideas for the Minnesota Department of Transporation Snow Plow Contest

The Minnesota Department of Transportation Snow Plow naming contest is now open. Below is everything you need to know, includes the rules:

DEADLINE: Submissions are accepted through noon on Friday, December 20th
HOW TO ENTER: Click here to enter your name idea into the agency's website.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE: In January, the finalists will be announced. The public will be asked to vote for their favorites and from that, eight names will be selected and displayed onto a snowplow in Minnesota.
RULES:
- Each person may only submit one name.
- Submissions are limited to no more than 30 characters (including letters and spaces).
- Any submissions that include profanity or other inappropriate language will not be considered.
- Politically inspired names (including phrases, slogans or plays on politicians’ names) will not be considered. Naming snowplows is meant to be fun and lighthearted, so we’re going to keep this contest nonpartisan and nonpolitical.
- Past winner names will not be considered. (find a list of all of the past winners here)

What States Do A "Name a Snowplow" Contest?

I'm not sure who started the "Name a Snowplow" contest but Minnesota isn't the only state to have some fun with these names. According to the Center for Environmental Excellence, the following states have participated in adding special names to its snowplows: