SDDOT announces fourth annual snowplow naming contest

November 1, 2023

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) announced the fourth annual snowplow naming contest. Over the past three winters, SDDOT has actively engaged with thousands of South Dakotans to bring this contest to life.

Thousands of clever names have been submitted throughout the state by classrooms, daycares, businesses, retirement communities, and individuals.

“The 2022-23 winter season was definitely one for the record-books,” said Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt. “Our SDDOT winter operations staff worked countless hours to remove snow in some of the toughest winter weather conditions experienced in recent years. The snowplow contest is a fun, yet purposeful, way to interact with the public to encourage usage of vital winter weather related resources like SD511.”

The fourth annual SDDOT Snowplow Naming Contest is open through Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. The public can find the official entry form and rules, along with previous contest winning names and photos, on the SDDOT website here: https://dot.sd.gov/inside-sddot/of-interest/sddot-snowplow-naming-contest

When the contest closes, SDDOT personnel will vote for their favorite entries. In December, the SDDOT will officially announce one named snowplow within each of the 12 SDDOT geographic areas.

Last year, SDDOT took the snowplow naming contest to another level with a Blizzard Bracket held in March and April. The bracketing contest provided the SDDOT with additional opportunities to promote winter safety messaging during the prolonged winter season. Over 70,000 votes were cast in the Blizzard Bracket.

Blizzard Buster, a plow named in the Sioux Falls Area, advanced through the brackets to win the 2023 statewide championship.