How to Enter the Portland Snowplow Naming Contest

Photo courtesy of Portland Bureau of Transportation

Here’s your chance to put your creativity to work and earn bragging rights for the whole year. Submit your ideas to the Portland Snowplow Naming Contest.

Portland Bureau of Transportation invites the public to participate in the second annual snowplow naming contest.

Last year’s inaugural contest was a hit. More than 4,000 people submitted name ideas, and 16,000 Portlanders voted on their favorites using ranked-choice voting. From that effort came five now-beloved snowplows: Beverly Clear-y, Salt & Thaw, Brrrnside, Plowy McPlowface and The Big Snowplowski.

PBOT has 56 snowplows, which means there are still 51 left to name. With your help, five more will receive one-of-a-kind names this year.

Here’s how you can join in on the fun:

Portland’s Snowplow Naming Contest

Whether you have a clever name in mind or just want to be part of picking the final winners, here’s everything you need to know to participate in this year’s Portland Snowplow Naming Contest.

How the Contest Works

PBOT opens the snowplow name submission form for two weeks. Everyone is welcome to participate. Be inspired by clever wordplay, Portland landmarks or Pacific Northwest pride.

When you submit, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Your name
• Contact information
• Your proposed snowplow name

Have more than one great idea? Go for it. Multiple entries are encouraged.

By submitting a name, you allow the city of Portland to use your entry in a public and official capacity. Also, to keep things fun and welcoming for everyone, submissions must not include inappropriate language, swear words or slurs. 

Voting and Timeline

Once submissions close, PBOT staff narrow the list down to the top 20 names. Then it’s the public’s chance to decide the winners using ranked-choice voting.

Here’s the full schedule:

• December 18-January 5 at 5 p.m. Submit snowplow name ideas
• January 6-9: PBOT staff select the top 20 names.
• January 12-21 at 5 p.m. Public voting opens
• Week of February 2: The top five snowplow names are announced.

For more information, access to the name submission form and voting, visit PBOT’s website. 

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