ST PAUL, Minn. — Snowplows are a necessary evil in Minnesota, where the ability to clear roads directly impacts the ability of residents to get to work, school, and the activities that make life good.
So what the heck... we may as well have a little fun with those big orange snow movers.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) on Monday announced the fourth-annual "Name a Snowplow Contest," inviting members of the public to submit creative names for eight plows, one in each highway district across the state. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 15, at noon.
Past winners include the name of all names, Plowy McPlowFace; Han Snowlo; Betty Whiteout; The Big LePlowski; Blader Tot Hotdish; Blizzo and The Truck Formerly Known as Plow.
MnDOT has a few basic rules for the 2023-24 contest.
- One name submission per person.
- Entries are limited to no more than 30 characters (including letters and spaces).
- Gosh darn it, nothing vulgar please. Any submissions that include profanity or inappropriate language will not be considered.
- Politically inspired names (including phrases, slogans or plays on politicians’ names) will not be considered. The snowplow contest is meant to be fun and lighthearted, nonpartisan and nonpolitical.
- Past winners will not be considered. You can find a full list of past winners on the Name a Snowplow website.
Department staffers will review all submissions, select a list of the best ideas and invite the public to vote on their favorites in January 2024. The eight names that garner the most votes will ultimately be placed on a plow in each district,
MnDOT will post updates on the Name a Snowplow Contest on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, along with winter weather alerts, safety messages, and construction updates.
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