OSSEO, Minn. — With summer right around the corner, chances are most Minnesotans aren't thinking about the next time they'll have to dig out from a snowstorm.
But on Thursday, the sixth-graders at Osseo Middle School definitely had winter on the brain when Blizzo the snowplow stopped by for a visit.
The students are responsible for helping to name the now-famous snowplow after pop icon, Grammy winner and one-time local, Lizzo, during the Minnesota Department of Transportation's 2022-23 "Name a Snowplow Contest."
Though they're years away from driving, the kids were able to get up close and personal with the snowplow, and even snap a few pictures behind the wheel.
"It's kind of like a dream come true," one Osseo student said.
In February, MnDOT announced "Blizzo" was one of eight entries selected from a field of 60 finalists to be emblazoned on a fleet of snowplows. According to MnDOT, the Osseo sixth-graders "championed" Blizzo during the contest, sending it to the list of winners.
Fellow 2023 winners include Clearopathtra, Blader Tot Hotdish, Better Call Salt, Sleetwood Mac, Scoop! There it is, Han Snowlo and Yer a Blizzard, Harry.
And yes, Lizzo is well aware that a snowplow has been named in her likeness.
"Of all the awards I've received, this, by far is the highest honor," she said in a Twitter video in February. "To know that there is a snowplow named Blizzo that is clearing the streets of the Twin Cities right now makes my heart melt... or freeze!"
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota in our YouTube playlist:
WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+
Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.
- Add KARE 11+ on Roku here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Roku Channel Store.
- Add KARE 11+ on Fire TV here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Amazon App Store.
- Learn more about the KARE 11+ app for Apple TV in the Apple App Store.
- Learn more about KARE 11+ here.