Winter may still be weeks away, but the Unified Government’s (UG) Public Works Department is already preparing for the season ahead. Crews gathered in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, for the Seventh Annual Snow Roadeo, an event designed to sharpen skills, test equipment, and build teamwork before the first snowflakes fall.
According to the UG, the competition brought together staff from Street Maintenance, Fleet Services, and Environmental Services divisions, as well as colleagues from Parks & Recreation. Held in the parking lot at 4th and Minnesota, the course challenged drivers with tight turns, advanced backing, and cones set up to mimic parked cars. The event gave rookies and seasoned drivers alike a chance to refine their techniques and ensure plows and trucks are in peak condition for winter weather.
The top three finishers this year all came from Parks & Recreation:
- 1st Place: Lucas Isaacs
- 2nd Place: Ethan Isaacs
- 3rd Place: Jacob Ogden, who was also named Rookie of the Year
While Parks & Recreation swept the podium, Street Maintenance also put in a strong showing. Drivers Chris Traffis, Gene McCombs, Matthew Stark, James Petty, and Michael Tarwater earned spots to represent the UG at the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Mid-America Equipment Expo, scheduled for Oct. 8–11 at the New Century AirCenter in Gardner, Kansas.
The Expo is a regional showcase for public works professionals, featuring hands-on challenges with skid steers, loaders, and snowplows, as well as workshops on safety, communication, and team building. Crews from across the metro will compete and share ideas, bringing back new skills and strategies to better serve their communities.
“The Snow Roadeo is more than a competition. It’s a reminder of the dedication and skill our teams bring to the community every day,” said Street Manager Dewayne Smith. “Their commitment ensures that we’re ready to get to work when winter weather arrives.”
UG officials thanked all the staff and volunteers who helped make the 2025 Snow Roadeo a success and wished the team good luck as they represent the community at the APWA Equipment Expo.
