Michelle and Matt Cooley show off their sign they were honored with for their continued support of Solano Family First Responders. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Cool Patch Pumpkins is a family owned and operated you-pick pumpkin patch and home to the Guinness Book of World Records for the World's Largest Corn Maze, but this past weekend, a hundred first responders were there to be honored for their work.

“We are also honored to celebrate the life of Vacaville Police Officer and Dixon Resident, Matthew Bowen, who was tragically lost in the line of duty. We want to thank all of our officers, first responders, and their amazing families for their sacrifice to keep our communities safe,” the owners, who were selected as Dixon’s Business of the Year, said on their website.

This was the fourth year that the event kicked off the opening of the long-standing Cool Patch Pumpkin Patch and was called the Solano Family First Responders Annual Field of Dreams BBQ. It was attended by various businesses, County Supervisor Mitch Mashburn, Vacaville Mayor John Carli and Dixon Mayor Steve Bird.

Pictured here is the Cool Patch logo. Photo by Nicolas Brown

There was live music by ‘Luke and Kaylee’ and an amazing barbecue by Kinder's Meats and was held amidst hay bales and 50 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds.

“Our pumpkins are grown here, on site, for you to enjoy,” said Cool Patch owner Matt Cooley. “Walk through any of our pathways and pick your own straight from the vine or choose any of the pre-picked pumpkins in the plaza. We have a lot for you to explore.”

The 63 acres features the certified Guinness World Records as the planet’s biggest corn maze. But there’s plenty of things to discover other than the maze. Features of this fun place include a children’s Mini Hay Maze, Pedal Cars, and a Hayride for small fees but it’s free to come inside the pumpkin patch and hunt for the perfect pumpkin to buy and take home.

Sarah and Adrian Torres greeted first responders at the fourth annual ‘Field of Dreams’ appreciation event at Cool Patch Pumpkins. Photo by Nicolas Brown

They also have wonderfully weird-looking gourds and squash to discover.  Families are invited to experience the hay castle, hayrides, and corn baths, all with photo ops galore. Guests are able to enjoy food and drink options on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.

Cooley founded Cool Patch Pumpkins in 2001 when he and his children started selling pumpkins on the side of his pumpkin field. His passion for family grew into this unique business featured across platforms, news stations, and websites. They also provide educational field trips for schools and churches.

Cool Patch Pumpkins is located at 6150 Dixon Ave West in Dixon, and they can be reached via their website coolpatachpumpkins.com or one can call (530) 304-0163. Their season is open through Oct. 31.