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MNDOT Announces 6th Annual Snowplow Naming Contest

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 12:15 GMT by inforum

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MNDOT’s Snowplow Naming Contest Returns for 6th Year

For the sixth consecutive year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is inviting Minnesotans to help christen the state’s newest snow‑clearing behemoths. The annual Snowplow Naming Contest, launched in 2017, is more than a whimsical giveaway—it’s a public‑engagement initiative that turns a state utility into a community talking point, fosters state pride, and, in some cases, awards participants with commemorative prizes. This year’s contest, open from May 1 to June 15, will see the unveiling of the latest “sweeping” machines that will keep Minnesota’s roads clear during the harsh winter months.

Why the Contest Matters

In the harsh, snow‑laden climate that defines Minnesota, MNDOT’s fleet of snowplows is the backbone of road safety. Each vehicle is a complex assembly of hydraulics, steel, and state‑of‑the‑art technology that must endure sub‑zero temperatures and heavy, wet snow. By involving the public in the naming process, MNDOT cultivates a sense of shared responsibility for transportation infrastructure. The contest also serves as a marketing tool that spreads awareness of MNDOT’s role and showcases the department’s commitment to transparent, community‑oriented service.

How the Contest Works

• Eligibility: The contest is open to all Minnesota residents, with a minimum age of 18 for legal liability reasons. Applicants who are currently employed by MNDOT or have a conflict of interest are excluded.
• Submission Requirements: Participants must submit a one‑sentence name suggestion (max 25 characters), a short explanation (max 150 characters) of why the name fits the snowplow, and a link to a personal or community website or social media profile. Names containing profanity, hate speech, or infringing on trademarks are disqualified.
• Timeline: Entries are accepted from May 1 (10 a.m. CST) through June 15 (5 p.m. CST). The MNDOT team will then review submissions between June 16 and June 25, followed by a public voting period from June 26 to July 5.
• Selection Process: A panel of MNDOT officials—typically the Director of Asset Management, the Chief Operations Officer, and an external transportation consultant—reviews the entries for originality, appropriateness, and public appeal. Public votes are weighted at 50 % of the final decision, ensuring community input while maintaining professional oversight.
• Prizes: The winning name will be emblazoned on the designated snowplow, and the winner receives a framed certificate, a MNDOT “Snowplow Champion” plaque, and a commemorative T‑shirt. Additionally, the winning entry’s short explanation will be featured on MNDOT’s website and on the snowplow’s “about” plaque.

Past Winners and Their Impact

The inaugural 2017 contest was won by “Frostbite” – a name that captured the season’s harshness and the plow’s resilience. In 2018, the winning entry “Giant” was chosen to name the largest, newest heavy‑weight plow in the state’s fleet. By 2020, the winning entry “Breeze” was selected, a nod to the plow’s ability to clear snow with almost no resistance. Each year, the naming has spurred local media coverage, and the winning name often becomes part of the local lore, with people referring to the vehicle by its new moniker on social media and in community discussions.

Additional Resources and Context

For participants looking to learn more about the contest’s technical aspects, MNDOT’s official Snowplow Naming Contest page (linked from the InForum article) offers detailed specifications of the new snowplows, including the type of steel used, the horsepower of the engines, and safety certifications. The page also provides a downloadable PDF with the contest rules, an FAQ section, and a printable submission form.

Beyond the contest, the linked MNDOT “Snowplow” section on their website provides a history of the department’s snow removal program, explaining how technology upgrades—from traditional push plows to modern “wide‑gap” plows—have dramatically improved efficiency and safety. The page also highlights the importance of the snowplow fleet in keeping the state’s 4,000 miles of highways safe and the economic impact of timely snow removal on commerce and daily life.

Community Response

In the lead‑up to this year’s contest, social media chatter revealed a mix of creative suggestions ranging from whimsical (“Blizzard Buddy”) to pun‑laden (“Sleet-ship”) and even historically inspired (“Leif Erikson”). The MNDOT team noted that they appreciated the ingenuity and the way participants often linked the names to local history or personal stories. This year, a notable entry came from a community group in Duluth, proposing the name “Northern Lights” in honor of the city’s iconic aurora phenomenon, which would have resonated strongly with residents and travelers alike.

How to Get Involved

If you’re a Minnesotan ready to let your creativity snowball, the contest’s official page offers a simple online submission form. Once you’re satisfied with your name and explanation, hit “Submit” before the June 15 deadline. Keep an eye on the public voting window in late June; every vote counts toward ensuring your favorite name becomes the official moniker for one of the state’s most vital machines.

In the spirit of community and shared responsibility, MNDOT’s Snowplow Naming Contest is more than a name‑giving exercise—it’s a yearly tradition that reminds Minnesotans that even the most utilitarian of state equipment can carry a human touch. Whether you’re a seasoned transportation enthusiast, a local history buff, or simply looking to contribute a little personality to the state’s snow‑clearing fleet, the contest offers an accessible, civic‑oriented way to engage. Don’t let this opportunity slip—submit your entry, vote for your favorites, and perhaps the next time you see a snowplow zipping down I-94, you’ll know its name.