MOUNT VERNON — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 5 is now accepting applications for its annual Paint-the-Plow contest.
This year’s program features a special theme: “America’s 250th Birthday Celebration Edition.”
The program is open to all K-12 schools, career-technical schools, and youth organizations within District 5’s seven-county region, which includes Coshocton, Fairfield, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Muskingum, and Perry counties. Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 27.
Paint-the-Plow is a community outreach initiative that invites students to paint original artwork on ODOT snowplow blades.
These blades may be displayed at local community events to promote safety and public awareness before being put into service during the winter months to clear roadways in the communities they represent.
Key program dates:
• Application Deadline: Friday, March 27
• Plow Delivery: Week of April 6
• Plow Pickup: No later than May 15
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, participants are encouraged to create designs that celebrate national milestones, service, and innovation. Suggested topics include the Declaration of Independence, the National Road, aviation, and Ohio’s legacy.
Once the blades are collected, a “People’s Choice” award will be determined through a social media competition on the Ohio Department of Transportation – East Central Ohio District 5 Facebook page.
Each “like” on a plow’s photograph will count as a vote.
Last year, Medill Elementary in Fairfield County was named the District 5 winner by popular vote.
For more information or to request an application, please contact the ODOT District 5 Public Information Office at D05.PIO@dot.ohio.gov or 740-323-5204.