Hawes Farm Fall Festival Opening Day

http://www.krcrtv.com/news/local/shasta/hawes-farm-fall-festival-opening-day/95026600

ANDERSON, Calif. - Hawes Farms worked with We Back the Blue for this year's festival to show their support for law enforcement. They opened Saturday with the theme "A Heroes Weekend."

Anderson Police Chief Michael Johnson addressed nationwide protests of law enforcement, and how much it means to him to have the general support of the community.

"It means a lot to me and all the law enforcement locally. It is really an incredible event," said Johnson.

We Back the Blue worked with Hawes Farms to make the design of the corn maze the "We Back the Blue" logo.

The movement began a year ago, and as a retired community service officer, co-chair Brian Martin said this year's theme is especially meaningful for him.

"It's my birthday today, and this is a happy birthday to me. I love showing law enforcement that we really do respect and care about what they do out there," said Martin.

Kids met law enforcement, K-9 and had the opportunity to ride in fire trucks. Chief Johnson thinks it's important for law enforcement to bond with kids at a young age.

"They see law enforcement officers come and interacting with them, getting on the rides with them, sharing a snow cone with them. It creates a huge connection, and they have an understanding that we are there for them, and we are not these people who are to be feared," said Johnson.

The festival will last for seven weeks.

By: Tiffany Wong

Posted: Sep 24, 2016 05:14 PM PDT

Updated: Sep 24, 2016 11:56 PM PDT