FLINT, Mich. -- The Genesee County Road Commission will be conducting its annual final inspection of winter maintenance equipment at its Oakley Street headquarters on Thursday,

The event is often called the "Pumpkin Parade" because the long line of cleaned and polished orange snow plows and salt trucks entering the facility resembles a parade of pumpkins.

This will be the final inspection to ensure the trucks and troops are ready for the fast-approaching winter.

“Each piece of equipment in the parade has already had any routine maintenance items taken care of, has been through its inspections and should be ready to fight a storm,” said maintenance director Anthony Branch.

Road commission drivers will also be getting last-minute instructions and updates on any new equipment and procedures.

"Our equipment operators are seasoned veterans with a lot of winters under their belts," Branch said. "But the equipment changes as new models with new capabilities come online and procedures are updated accordingly."

During the winter months it’s always a good idea to keep a battery-powered flashlight, radio, extra food, bottled water and warm blankets in your car for emergencies.