Minnesota Snow Plow Naming Contest Winners Revealed

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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The Winning Snow Plow Names and Their Stories

The judges faced a tough decision, sifting through countless clever and creative snow plow name ideas. But after careful deliberation, three winning names emerged, each reflecting the spirit of Minnesota:

• "Blizzard of Oz": This whimsical name, submitted by 10-year-old Lily Johnson from Rochester, evokes the magical imagery of the Wizard of Oz while acknowledging the harsh realities of Minnesota winters. Lily's inspiration came from a recent family trip to see a theatrical production of the classic tale, perfectly blending childhood wonder with the powerful force of a Minnesota blizzard. (Image of "Blizzard of Oz" snow plow here)

• "The Snowplow Express": Submitted by a group of friends from Duluth, this name playfully references the iconic train journey, suggesting the speed and efficiency of MnDOT's snow removal efforts. The friends, avid train enthusiasts, envisioned the snow plow clearing the way for safe winter travel, much like a train making its way through a snowy landscape. (Image of "The Snowplow Express" snow plow here)

• "Brutus, the Snow Fighter": This powerful name, submitted by a local teacher, reflects the strength and resilience needed to battle Minnesota's challenging winter conditions. The submitter, Mr. Henderson, explained that Brutus is a symbol of perseverance and the unwavering dedication of MnDOT crews in keeping Minnesota's roads safe. (Image of "Brutus, the Snow Fighter" snow plow here)

The Judging Process and Criteria

Selecting the winning snow plow names was a rigorous process. A panel of five judges, comprised of MnDOT officials, representatives from Minnesota's tourism board, and a local creative writing professor, assessed each submission based on several key criteria:

• Originality: Judges looked for unique and inventive names that stood out from the crowd.
• Minnesota Connection: Names reflecting Minnesota's culture, geography, or history were highly valued.
• Creativity: The judges rewarded names that demonstrated clever wordplay, humor, or a strong sense of imagery.

While there was no public voting component this year, MnDOT plans to incorporate public feedback in future contests. The judges noted the exceptional creativity and high quality of many entries, making their final decision a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Public Reaction and Social Media Engagement

The Minnesota snow plow naming contest generated significant buzz on social media, with thousands of shares, likes, and comments across various platforms. #mndotsnowplownames quickly became a trending topic, with Minnesotans enthusiastically sharing their favorite submissions and celebrating the winning names.

• Positive feedback flooded MnDOT's Facebook and Twitter pages, praising the contest's innovative approach to community engagement.
• News outlets across the state picked up the story, highlighting the contest's success and the winning snow plow names.
• Many comments emphasized the lightheartedness and community spirit the contest fostered, creating a sense of shared pride in Minnesota's winter road maintenance efforts.

The Impact of the Naming Contest

The snow plow naming contest proved far more than just a fun initiative. It has had a significant positive impact on:

• Community Engagement: The contest fostered a sense of connection between MnDOT and the public, demonstrating the agency's commitment to transparency and community involvement.
• Public Awareness: The contest raised awareness of winter road safety and the vital role of snow removal in ensuring safe winter travel in Minnesota.
• Future Initiatives: The success of this contest indicates the potential for similar community engagement projects in the future, further strengthening the relationship between MnDOT and Minnesota residents.

Conclusion

The Minnesota snow plow naming contest was a resounding success, yielding three fantastic winning names: "Blizzard of Oz," "The Snowplow Express," and "Brutus, the Snow Fighter." These names not only add personality to the snow plows but also reflect the creativity and spirit of the Minnesota community. The contest’s success highlights the power of community engagement in promoting winter safety and fostering stronger relationships between government agencies and the public. Stay tuned for future announcements from MnDOT and keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in fun and engaging contests like the Minnesota snow plow naming contest!