Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day is an annual celebration that takes place on January 23 in the United States. This quirky day serves as a way for communities to show their gratitude to the dedicated snow plowers who work tirelessly to clear our streets, roads, and sidewalks during the winter months. On this day, snow plowers have the unique opportunity to aim for mailboxes while they are out plowing. Each mailbox they manage to take down earns them points—five points for each mailbox and an additional 20 points if they manage to send one flying across the street. The snow plower with the highest score at the end of the day is crowned the winner and receives a well-deserved prize.
The origins of Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day can be traced back to the challenging winter conditions experienced in many U.S. cities. With snow piling up to three feet, getting around would be nearly impossible without the hard work of snow plowers. During their efforts, it’s not uncommon for mailboxes to get knocked over, whether by accident or due to their hidden positions beneath the snow.
Historically, before the 1850s, people relied on skiing to navigate snowy terrain, which required rolling snow into layers on roads. The introduction of horse-drawn plows changed the landscape, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that motorized snow plows became prevalent. As snow plowing technology advanced, many people began to take matters into their own hands, leading to the accidental destruction of mailboxes. Recognizing the need for appreciation, January 23 was designated as Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day, allowing snow plowers to enjoy a playful competition while earning points for the mailboxes they take down.
Historical Timeline:
- 1800s Snow Wardens: To ensure sufficient snow cover, snow wardens were employed to roll the snow.
- 1862 Horse-Driven Snow Plows in Milwaukee: The first horse-drawn snow plows were introduced in Milwaukee, clearing residential streets and alleys.
- 1913 Dump Trucks with Plow Blades: The arrival of motorized plows began in 1913, followed by the introduction of Caterpillar tractors.
- 1920s Motorized Snow Plows: The early 1920s saw the rise of motorized snow plows, thanks to innovations from designers in Norway and New York.
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day FAQs
- How can I protect my mailbox from snow plows? To help your mailbox withstand the snow plow onslaught, ensure it is mounted at least one foot deep in the ground, ideally encased in cement for extra stability. Choosing thick metal posts over wooden ones is advisable, and surrounding your mailbox with brick or stone can enhance its visibility and protection. After heavy snowfall, be sure to clear a two-foot radius around your mailbox to give the snow a pathway and reduce the risk of damage. Adding reflective flags can also improve visibility.
- When did the first Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day take place? While there isn’t a specific founding date for Wellcat Holidays, the inaugural Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day is believed to have occurred in 2010.
- What’s the record for the most mailboxes taken down? In 2021, it was reported that 15 mailboxes were destroyed in Hendricks County, IN, among many others damaged over a mile stretch.
Activities for Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day
- Form Your Team: Gather a group of snow plowers in your town, invite newcomers, and set up a match to see who can take down the most mailboxes.
- Become a Referee: To determine the winner, a referee is needed to tally the number of mailboxes downed by each plower. Volunteer yourself or invite a former player to officiate.
- Broadcast the Games Live: Celebrate the hard work of snow plowers by hosting the games live on social media. This acknowledgment can turn the event into an annual sporting occasion, complete with a prize for the winner funded by community contributions.
Five Facts About Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day You Should Know
- Over 100 Patented Designs: Since 1870, more than 100 unique snowplow designs have been patented.
- 200 Feet Away: A rotary snowplow is capable of launching snow up to 200 feet away.
- Designed by a Woman: The first snowplow designed to scrape and scoop snow was patented by Lydia Fairweather.
- Mailbox vs. Snowplow Showdown: In Chicago, a mailbox mounted on a steel beam successfully resisted a snowplow’s attempt to take it down, causing significant damage to the plow instead.
- Cost of Snow Removal: On average, homeowners spend about $179 for snow removal services, which can escalate to $400 in some cases.
Why We Celebrate Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day
- Acknowledgment of Hard Work: Snow plowers play a vital role in keeping roads and sidewalks clear, making daily life possible. This day is a way for communities to recognize their efforts and dedication.
- A Day of Fun: Even the most dedicated workers deserve a break. This celebration gives snow plowers a chance to have fun while doing their job, turning mailbox demolition into a playful event.
- Mailboxes as Targets: In today’s world, where deliveries often come straight to our doors, mailboxes can seem outdated. Why not make use of this day to knock down those useless structures in a light-hearted competition?
Upcoming Dates for Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day
- 2025: January 23 (Thursday)
- 2026: January 23 (Friday)
- 2027: January 23 (Saturday)
- 2028: January 23 (Sunday)
- 2029: January 23 (Tuesday)
For more details, check out https://findnomore.net.
What is the date of Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day 2024 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2024 | Tuesday | 0 days left |
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day 2025 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2025 | Thursday | 0 days left |
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day 2026 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2026 | Friday | 294 days left |
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day 2027 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2027 | Saturday | 659 days left |
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day 2028 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2028 | Sunday | 1024 days left |
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day 2029 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2029 | Tuesday | 1390 days left |
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day 2030 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2030 | Wednesday | 1755 days left |
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day 2031 | Day 23 Month 1 Year 2031 | Thursday | 2120 days left |