“Snowplow Rodeo” Puts New Hennepin County Drivers to the Test

Heard of a Snowplow Rodeo? That’s how new Hennepin County snowplow drivers practice before the snow falls.

There are no cowboys or horses at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, just big snowplow trucks and some very determined drivers. Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Minneapolis and St. Paul all had drivers participating. Out of the more than 50 participants, 11 operators drive for Hennepin County.

The challenge course mirrors real-life driving scenarios. Plow drivers work on pivot points and getting around on small, snow-packed streets. The course has about eight different obstacles for each driver.

“Backing around the corner, you get yourself in a predicament when you’re plowing snow,” said driver Dave Poppler.

He’s an experienced driver and showed us what it’s like to go through the Snowplow Rodeo course. Poppler gripped the steering wheel tight as he made his way between the orange cone markers.

Hitting the horn, he said, “you’re supposed toot the horn as soon as you start backing up.”

Practice makes perfect, and these drivers are ready for the first flakes of the season to fall.

“Just getting them best prepared to continue building their skill level, so they’re comfortable when they jump in the plow trucks come this winter,” said Hennepin County Supervisor Daniel Reil.

Sonya Goins, reporting

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