Owner Matt Cooley started Cool Patch Pumpkins in 2001 after a failed wholesale pumpkin delivery led his family to set up a roadside stand. The first corn maze was introduced in 2002. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Families from across Solano County flocked to Cool Patch Pumpkins over the weekend, taking part in one of the region’s most popular fall attractions.

The 77-acre farm, located just outside of Dixon, 6150 Dixon Ave. W., features a wide range of seasonal activities, including a pumpkin patch, a hay castle, rocking horses, teepees, hayrides for $5 per person and a corn bath fun zone also for $5. Children 12 and under can access the corn bath for free with a paying adult. A food court, concession stand and local vendors such as Kiss My Licorice round out the experience.

Owner Matt Cooley started Cool Patch Pumpkins in 2001 after a failed wholesale pumpkin delivery led his family to set up a roadside stand.

“My daughters, they were in high school at the time, and we had them on the side of the road selling pumpkins,” said Cooley. “It went from nothing to this.”

In 2002, the farm introduced its first corn maze, which covered just 10 acres. It has since expanded into a signature attraction. The maze earned a spot in the “2014 Guinness Book of World Records” as the largest of its kind.

Cool Patch Pumpkins at 6150 Dixon Ave. W is 77-acres of seasonal activities, including a pumpkin patch, hay castle, rocking horses, teepees and much more. Photo by Nicolas Brown 

Cool Patch updates the theme of the maze each year. Past designs have included tributes to the Sacramento Kings and literary figures. Cooley said this year’s theme focuses on farming.

“We’re already workshopping for next year,” said Cooley. “We just take a wild guess at what the country’s doing.”

Fall weekends are the busiest, with many visitors arriving in the evening.

“Weekends are crowded. At night, people come around 6:30 or 7 p.m.,” said Cooley.

Everything on-site is grown by the Cooley family, including the corn used for the maze and hay bales used in attractions.

According to owner Matt Cooley, the most crowded times for the pumpkin patch tend to be weekends and weeknights around 6:30 or 7 p.m. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“The maze is bigger than most other fall attractions in the area and we grow everything you see here,” said Cooley.

Admission to many areas of the farm remains unchanged, despite rising costs. This marks the third consecutive year without a price increase. Tickets for the maze cost $22 per person with children 5 and under getting in free.

Cooley said the biggest challenge is managing visitor expectations.

“Trying to keep everybody happy,” said Cooley. “Luckily, we don’t have that many problems.”

According to Cooley, the best part of working at Cool Patch every year is hearing from guests who get lost in the maze and make memories with their families.

“Those Minion haystacks on the freeway, they’re not quite our Golden Gate Bridge but they are iconic,” said Cooley.

Owner Matt Cooley loves what he does because he can offer an opportunity for families to be together “in the great outdoors.” Photo by Nicolas Brown

Cooley encouraged visitors to disconnect from screens and enjoy the outdoors.

“Just come out and have fun,” he said. “Spend time with your family.”

For more information, visit coolpatchpumpkins.com or call 530-746-8725.