Duluth Opened Annual Snowplow Naming Contest

Residents have until late October to submit creative names for the city's snowplow fleet.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Civic

Duluth Opened Annual Snowplow Naming Contest

Live Poll

Do you support your city hosting creative naming contests for municipal equipment?

Duluth has officially opened submissions for its third annual snowplow naming contest. Residents can submit entries for consideration before a public vote determines the final winner.

Why it matters

The contest acts as a local tradition modeled after the Minnesota Department of Transportation's own naming initiatives. It encourages community engagement with municipal services ahead of the winter season.

Submissions must be three words or fewer and under 25 characters to qualify. Each individual is limited to a single entry in this third annual edition of the event.

The players

Minnesota Department of Transportation

This state agency manages the highway infrastructure and maintains the statewide snowplow fleet.

The details

Participants can submit their ideas through an online process, though entries cannot include political, profane, trademarked, or proper names. Following the initial submission period, a selection committee will choose 10 finalists before the public vote begins.

Submissions are open until October 23, 2026.
The top 10 finalists will be selected by October 28, 2026.
The winning name will be displayed during the Christmas City of the North Parade on November 20, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This contest follows the pattern set by the Minnesota Department of Transportation's statewide snowplow naming contest. Local municipalities increasingly adopt these naming initiatives to foster civic participation and positive brand identity for essential public works departments.

Residents can influence municipal branding by submitting their preferred names online before the October deadline. Following the selection of 10 finalists, the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite name.

The takeaway

This contest offers a simple way for residents to engage with city infrastructure and prepare for the upcoming winter. Participants should ensure their submissions adhere to the strict character and content guidelines to remain eligible for the final vote.

What happens next

The contest will proceed to the selection of finalists on October 28, 2026, followed by an online public vote before the November 20, 2026 parade debut.