Rochester Announce Street Sweeper Winning Names

Back at the beginning of March I wrote about the city of Rochester, MN holding a contest to name the six street sweepers that we see rolling around town keeping the streets nice and clean.

It was just like the state's Name a Snowplow contest, where people submitted their ideas (the punnier the better). And now, the winners have been announced!

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Rochester, MN Street Sweeper Names

Yes, it appears that the street sweepers have their names plastered loud and proud on them, which I think is absolutely hilarious. I think the Name a Snowplow contest should do the same!

Say hello to...

Optimus Grime
Med City Mopper
Count Vacula
Bruce Springclean
Sweep Caroline
and Sir Sweeps-a-Lot (Baby Got Clean)

They're perfect because they make you groan. That's how you know.

What Do the Street Sweepers Do?

So they've got these goofy names, but you might still be wondering why these even exist. What's the point of them?

I addressed that in my previous post about the street sweepers, but there are two reasons for them:

To improve water quality in town by getting the junk off the streets and to keep our neighborhoods clean.

You know, I appreciate that (even if they drive SO. SLOW.).

Can You Legally Pass a Street Sweeper?

Speaking of how slow they drive, I also wrote about if it's legal to pass a street sweeper. It's a pain in the butt to get stuck behind one!

Luckily, yes, it's totally legal to pass a street sweeper as long as it's safe to do so and you pass them slowly.