‘They help let you know you’re home’: Hay bale Minions to remain along I-80 in Dixon
By Peyton Headlee
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DIXON, California (KCRA) — A beloved display of hay bale Minions at Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon, located along Interstate 80, was nearly removed after the owners said Solano County raised concerns about its impact on freeway traffic.
Michelle Cooley, manager of the family-owned farm, said their goal is to bring joy to visitors. She explained that the farm offers activities for everyone, with its 35-acre maze being the main attraction.
“We had the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 and again in 2014,” Cooley said.
For six weeks each year, families from all over visit the farm, but even after pumpkin season ends, the farm tries to keep the smiles going. They move their hay bale minions from the pumpkin patch plaza to a spot bordering westbound Interstate 80.
“It’s more of a 365-day enjoyment,” Cooley said. “We just moved them aside so we could farm the land and give someone joy throughout the year.”
The painted, stacked hay bales have become a roadside attraction, with Cooley describing them as “a bright spot every morning.”
However, a few weeks ago, Cooley said the county informed them that the minions had to be removed.
An email from the Solano County Department of Resource Management Planning Services Division requested the farm, “Please place any sculptures, artwork, etc (like the hay bale sculptures) on the Dixon Avenue side rather than the freeway frontage to help minimize impacts to freeway traffic.”
“When we heard that, we were indignant,” Cooley said. “Why did this get blamed on the Minions?”
Cooley said they were prepared to move the display to get their permits approved for the season when Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson stepped in to help.
“She did some magic behind the scenes, and they kind of dropped the issue,” Cooley said.
Wilson said she learned about the issue during a community meeting and reached out to the county and the California Highway Patrol.
In a statement to KCRA 3, she said, “During a community meeting I hosted Sept. 3 at Dixon City Hall, a Cool Patch Pumpkins owner raised concerns that the farm would have to remove the minions at the direction of the county. I heard their concerns and reached out to both the California Highway Patrol and the county to better understand the situation. The CHP told me the agency had not received feedback indicating the minions were causing significant traffic concerns, and after a subsequent conversation with the county, the issue was resolved on Sept. 18. I’m happy we were able to help find a solution to an issue brought directly to me by a local business and community member. The minions are a cute attraction and a fun Solano County staple. They help let you know you’re home.”
Cooley said the display brings joy to many people.
“I hear stories of so many adults that say, I go to work and the Minions just put a smile on my face every morning. I just want you to know that I think, well, that’s worth it,” she said.
Ultimately, Cooley said they were able to sort out their permits without moving the Minions.
As of Sunday afternoon, Solano County officials have not yet responded to inquiries about the matter.
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