ARLINGTON, Va. — Got a pun itching to be used? A catchy name that’s more chill than a polar vortex? Arlington’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) is calling on the community to unleash a flurry of creativity and name the county’s snowplows! That’s right, you could be responsible for the name proudly emblazoned on the hulking beast that turns your snowed-in street back into a winter wonderland. Think of it as your chance to make Arlington history, one plow at a time.
The Name That Plow contest is back, and this year Arlington is looking for even more snow-pun perfection. But there's a twist—it's got to be funny and appropriate. Sure, you could go for something basic like "Snow Destroyer," but wouldn’t it be way more fun to see “Sleetwood Mac” or “David Plowie” cruising down the road?
The challenge? Come up with the most creative names for the county's snow-clearing cavalry. Once Arlington gets hit with two or more inches of snow, the county’s online Snow and Ice Map goes live, and that's where your snowplow name will show up for all to admire (and cheer on during those inevitable snow days).
Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions to get your creative snowball rolling:
- The Plowminator – It won’t stop until your road is clear.
- Snowy-Wan Kenobi – May the force (of snow removal) be with you.
- Another One Brines the Dust – A classic, with a salty twist.
- #FlakeNews – Breaking news: Arlington’s snowplows don’t mess around.
But hey, why stop there? You could pull inspiration from your favorite Arlington landmarks, winter sports, or even just your love of snow days.
The contest runs through October 21 and you can submit up to five names per person. Pro tip: be fun, but keep it respectful. No political or inappropriate entries will make the cut. Think puns, not politics. After all, the last thing we need is a snowplow named “Plowdi B” causing a scandal.
Once all the submissions are in, Arlington's snowplow fleet will undergo a naming ceremony of sorts, with a select few being chosen by DES staff to proudly wear their new monikers on the Snow and Ice Map.
