The thought of winter and snow came early for many snowplow operators from around Iowa.

The operators participated in a Snow Plow Roadeo to sharpen their skills by competing against each other in the Hilton Coliseum parking lot on Tuesday.

Approximately 30 teams of two participated in the Roadeo, which gave trophies and awards to the operators who scored the highest on three skill events.

The event was open to any city or county snowplow operators from around the state.

Iowa State and the Center for Transportation and Research sponsored the event.

“The event gives operators a chance to hone their skills and start thinking ahead,” said Bob Dingman, chair of the Roadeo committee.

Operators are able to learn from each other and go over safety procedures, which will enhance their skills, he said.

The annual event has taken place for more than a decade, Dingman said.

The drivers began the event by taking a written exam that tested their basic knowledge of snowplow and CDL operation, said Dennis Douglas, a Roadeo participant from Cedar Falls.

In the next phase of the Roadeo, they were required to find and identify defects on a maintenance vehicle. There were five to 10 defects put on each vehicle, said Charles Simons, a Roadeo volunteer.

The teams’ final challenge was a driving test, which simulated a variety of challenging road conditions drivers may face. Judges deducted points for errors.

“Parts were good, others weren’t,” said operator Galen Hammerly, of the Newton streets department. “I hit a few cones, but no mailboxes.”

Many of the drivers were sent by their communities to gain experience — like Amin Bakri of Ankeny, who said it was his first Roadeo.

“I’m just here to find what it’s all about,” he said.

“I will be ready to jump in a plow if needed.”

Douglas, who was recently hired by the city of Cedar Falls, said he was sent because he is “green.”

But not all the participants were rookies.

The team of Hammerly and Paul Montgomery said this was their sixth time at the event.

“We’re just hoping to place in the top 10; that’s our goal,” Hammerly said.

“Our best finish was second, but guys from West Des Moines usually win because they get practice.”