The City of Madison is once again inviting residents to participate in its annual snowplow naming contest, a tradition that brings a touch of humor and community spirit to the winter season. This year, six snowplows are awaiting creative names, and the city is eager to see the inventive suggestions from its citizens.

Submission Period and Process

The submission window for name suggestions opened on January 6, 2025, and will close promptly at 4:00 PM on January 24, 2025. Residents are encouraged to submit their most imaginative and witty names for consideration. To participate, send your suggestions via email to [email protected]. Whether you have one perfect name or a list of ideas, all contributions are welcome. If your suggestion is intended for a specific plow, please indicate this in your email.

Voting Process

After the submission period ends, a selection of finalist names for each plow will be chosen. The public will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorites through an online election hosted by Wisconsin Salt Wise. Voting is scheduled to begin on February 4, 2025, and will conclude at 8:00 PM on February 24, 2025. This ranked-choice voting system allows participants to select their top five names for each plow, ensuring a fair and engaging process.

The Snowplows Awaiting Names

This year, six snowplows are part of the naming contest, each serving a unique role in maintaining Madison’s roads and pathways during the winter months:

Parks Division 1722: A white Jeep equipped with a front-mounted plow, primarily responsible for clearing the Capital City Trail.

Streets Division 2946: A one-ton pickup truck that plows the contraflow bike lane along University Avenue and other areas on the west side.

Streets Division 3948: An extra-large plow capable of holding up to 900 gallons of brine for pre-treating roads, operating mainly on the far west side around N. Pleasant View, Elderberry, and South Point Rd.

Streets Division 3735: A plow serving the isthmus area, notably E. Johnson, E. Gorham, and E. Mifflin streets.

Streets Division 5695: A narrow, single-seater sidewalk plow that clears bus stops and sidewalks on the east side.

Streets Division 3722: A standard plow operating on the near west side, focusing on areas around Monroe Street and West High School.

Guidelines for Name Suggestions

The city encourages submissions that are lighthearted, pun-filled, and reflective of Madison’s unique character. References to pop culture, local landmarks, sports figures, and playful wordplay are highly appreciated. The goal is to infuse some fun into the winter season and foster a sense of community pride.

Community Engagement and Previous Winners

Madison’s snowplow naming contest has become a beloved tradition, with past winners showcasing the city’s creativity and humor. Previous plows have been christened with names like “Dolly Plowton,” “Saltimus Prime,” “Seymour Pavement,” and “Snowbi Wan Kenobi.” These names not only bring smiles to residents’ faces but also highlight Madison’s vibrant community spirit.

How to Participate

Submit Your Suggestions: Email your proposed names to [email protected] by 4:00 PM on January 24, 2025.

Vote for Finalists: Once the finalists are announced, cast your votes on the Wisconsin Salt Wise website between February 4 and February 24, 2025.

For more information on the contest, including photos of the plows and detailed submission guidelines, visit the City of Madison’s official snowplow naming page.

Join the Fun

This contest offers a unique opportunity for residents to leave their mark on the city and contribute to a cherished local tradition. Whether you’re a long-time Madisonian or new to the area, your participation helps make our winters a bit brighter and our streets a lot more fun.