25 Finalists Announced for Chicago's 'Name a Snowplow' Contest

Residents can vote for up to 6 names, with winning entries getting plows named after them

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The City of Chicago has announced the 25 finalists for its annual 'You Name a Snowplow' contest. Residents can vote for up to 6 names at Chicagoshovels.org by February 14th, with the winning names being used to christen the city's fleet of over 300 snow plows.

Why it matters

The 'Name a Snowplow' contest is a popular annual event that engages Chicago residents in the city's winter road operations. Naming the plows helps humanize the fleet and builds community pride around the important work of keeping streets clear during snowstorms.

The details

The 25 finalist names range from playful ("Chance the Scraper", "Plowasaurus Sue") to political ("Abolish ICE") to local references ("Cheryl Scott Warned You About This", "Svencoolie"). Residents can vote for up to 6 of the finalists, and the winners will have their names displayed on the plows they inspired. Each winning name submitter will also get a photo opportunity with their newly christened plow and some Chicago city swag.

  • The 25 finalists were announced on February 1, 2026.
  • Voting is open until February 14, 2026.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Chicago.

Cole Stallard

The Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.

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What they’re saying

“Chicagoans have once again displayed their unmatched creativity and civic pride in submitting names for this year's contest.”

— Cole Stallard, Commissioner, Department of Streets and Sanitation (City of Chicago)

What’s next

The public voting period will close on February 14, 2026, and the winning names will then be announced and displayed on the city's snow plows.

The takeaway

Chicago's annual 'Name a Snowplow' contest is a fun way for residents to engage with the city's winter operations and take pride in keeping the streets clear. The creative and humorous finalist names reflect the community's spirit and connection to their local government.