Contest to name a MnDOT snowplow returns

Trade your winter caps for thinking caps, Minnesotans, because it’s time for a new snowplow naming contest.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced this week that after the success of last year’s contest, it’s inviting Minnesotans to come up with names for another round of eight snowplows.

This year, those interested can submit their name ideas on MnDOT’s website. The submission form is open through Dec. 15. Then, MnDOT staff will review the submissions and invite the public to vote on their favorites in January. Final names will then be announced.

The following rules apply to this year’s contest:

• Each participant may submit up to three names.
• Each submission is limited to a maximum of 30 characters.
• Previous winning names will not be considered.
• Additionally, any politically-inspired names (including phrases, slogans, or plays on politicians’ names) or names including profanity or inappropriate language will be excluded. MnDOT reminds participants that "this contest is intended to be fun, lighthearted, family friendly and non-political."

MnDOT introduced the contest last year to name a new snowplow for each state district. Here were last year’s winners:

• Plowy McPlowFace — Metro District
• Duck Duck Orange Truck — District 1
• Plow Bunyan — District 2
• Darth Blader — District 3
• Ope, Just Gonna Plow Right Past Ya — District 4
• Snowbi Wan Kenobi — District 6
• F. Salt Fitzgerald — District 7
• The Truck Formerly Known As Plow — District 8