Chicago shows off its ‘named’ snowplows

The seven snowplows named in the inaugural “You Name a Snowplow Contest” were put on display Friday at the Grand Avenue Salt Dome.

Gloria Pittman, deputy commissioner of the Department of Streets and Sanitation, poses with “Salter Payton,” a snowplow named by a resident through a contest. — Gloria Pittman, deputy commissioner of the Department of Streets and Sanitation, poses Friday with “Salter Payton,” a snowplow named by a resident through a contest.

Seven snowplows named in a recent contest were unveiled Friday by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.

Residents who submitted the winning names in the inaugural “You Name a Snowplow Contest” got the chance to have their picture taken with the plow.

“I told my parents after I won, ‘You know, most people are naming kids. I’m naming a snowplow,’” winner Will Hager joked Friday outside the salt dome at Grand Avenue and Rockwell Street.

“The creativity of Chicago is on display today. And it’s nice to be here with the other winners.”

The contest drew 17,000 responses and more than 80,000 votes were cast for the snowplow names.

The winning names were announced in February:

Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow

Da Plow

Salter Payton

Sears Plower

Sleet Home Chicago

Holy Plow!

Jean Baptiste Point du Shovel

Seven snowplows named in a city contest were unveiled Friday at the Grand Avenue Salt Dome. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

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Will Hager submitted one of the winning names, “Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow” for a new snow plow, poses with the vehicle during the unveiling of seven new snow plows outside the Grand Avenue Salt Dome Replacement Facility in the West Town neighborhood, Friday, March 24, 2023. The Department of Streets and Sanitation held a “You Name a Snowplow Contest,” which allowed residents to submit names for the new snow plows.

Will Hager submitted one of the winning names, “Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow.” | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

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The city’s “Sears Plower” and “Salter Payton” snowplows were unveiled Friday at the Grand Avenue Salt Dome. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

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A driver drives “Holy Plow,” a snow plow that was named by a resident, around the Grand Avenue Salt Dome Replacement Facility in the West Town neighborhood during the unveiling of seven new snow plows, Friday, March 24, 2023. The Department of Streets and Sanitation held a “You Name a Snowplow Contest,” which allowed residents to submit names for the new snow plows.

A driver maneuvers “Holy Plow” around the Grand Avenue Salt Dome on Friday. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

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“Salter Payton,” a snowplow named by a resident, is parked during the unveiling of seven new snow plows outside the Grand Avenue Salt Dome Replacement Facility in the West Town neighborhood while the Willis Tower is seen in the background, Friday, March 24, 2023. The Department of Streets and Sanitation held a “You Name a Snowplow Contest,” which allowed residents to submit names for the new snow plows.

“Salter Payton” is one of seven snowplows named through a “You Name a Snowplow Contest” run by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation. | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

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Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Cole Stallard speaks during the unveiling of seven new snow plows outside the Grand Avenue Salt Dome Replacement Facility in the West Town neighborhood, Friday, March 24, 2023. The Department of Streets and Sanitation held a “You Name a Snowplow Contest,” which allowed residents to submit names for the new snow plows.

Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Cole Stallard speaks during the unveiling of seven snowplows named through the “You Name a Snowplow Contest.” | Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

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