Wintry wordsmiths, now is your time.
Arlington’s Department of Environmental Services (DES) has begun its annual ritual of seeking new names for the county’s fleet of snowplows.
Residents have until Sunday, Nov. 29, to submit suggestions for the popular “Name that Plow!” contest that began in 2024. Competition may be intense — over 2,500 suggestions were submitted last year for a supply of up to 75 county-owned and contracted plows and salt trucks.
“Inspiration for names can come from the winter season; pop culture; titles of songs, books, movies and other media; sports; or witty takes and puns related to Arlington,” the county said in a press release.
Residents may submit up to five names, although they’re reminded to avoid suggestions “that could be considered offensive, political, or inappropriate.”
Last year’s contest included movie references like “Blizzard of Oz” and “The Big Leplowski,” musical allusions like “The Life of a Snowgirl” and “Achy Flakey Heart,” and references to local locations such as “Clear-n-done,” “Frostlyn” and “Crystal City.”
Plows bearing their new names will appear on the county’s snow activity map, which goes live when more than 2 inches of snow accumulates.
Complaints about puns may be directed to DES staff, who pick the winners.
