Drivers compete for 'Best in Snow' at Annual Snowplow Rodeo
CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — There might not be snow on the ground, but that isn't stopping plows from hitting the pavement on Wednesday at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
The annual Snowplow Rodeo marks the final day of the International Aviation Snow Symposium, bringing drivers from around the world to compete for the title of 'Best in Snow'.
The rodeo is more than just a contest, it's a way for snowplow operators to showcase precision, training and safety, giving them a chance to demonstrate the skills they've developed during the weeklong symposium.
'We've got a three-time champion on our hand, and we want to make sure that he keeps that title,' said NFTA Public Information Officer Kelly Khatib. 'Even though it's a lot of fun, it's about safety. We are an award-winning airport when it comes to snow removal and that's something that we're extremely proud of.'
The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport has been hosting the Snow Symposium for 50 years.
Chris McBride, a landscape supervisor and 2024 snowplow rodeo champion, told WIVB News 4 that dedication is the most important part of the job.
'In the wintertime we basically live here,' McBride said. 'We are committed to being here, and I mean that's the job. That's the main reason we are here is to make sure the place stay open for the traveling public, and your families can fly in and fly out safely.'
Drivers go through an obstacle course with various plow backstops during the rodeo. Running over a cone counts as a penalty. Speed and time play a significant part in determining the winner.
McBride's strategy for winning?
'Just try my best and hope that I'm the fastest,' he said. 'Get through fast and no penalties.'
The rodeo serves as a celebratory end to the snow season, with plow operators from across the country heading home with new skills, sharper instincts and for one driver, the championship belt.
Gwyn Napier is a reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of her work by clicking here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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