It's finally October, and that means it's time for Schnepf Farms' Pumpkin & Chili Party. The annual event kicks off Thursday, Oct. 5 and is Arizona’s premier family festival right here in Queen Creek, offering nearly 45 rides and attractions included in the price of admission.
Enjoy home cooked meals, exciting rides, fun corn mazes, shopping of all kind, a 1-acre sunflower field, ropes course, lawn games, the popular Stuntmaster's Dog Show and more.
Take in the open air of the Schnepf family's working farm and don't forget to pick out that perfect pumpkin in their real pumpkin patch.
Schnepf Farms is located at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Fireworks will shoot off 15 minutes prior to close.
General admission is $25.95 per person, ages 2 and under are free. There is no charge to park. If you plan on going multiple days, a season pass is available. The farm is pet friendly.
For the 27th year, Schnepf Farms' Pumpkin & Chili Party will go through Sunday, Oct. 29. Tickets can be purchased HERE and sell out fast each day so it's recommended to purchase ahead of time and plan your day or purchase the season pass.
Picking pumpkins
Carrie Schnepf loves to "talk pumpkins" because during your visit to the Pumpkin & Chili Party, you have an opportunity to purchase pumpkins from the local farm's pumpkin patch to take home.
"We have a variety of sizes to choose from," she said.
When looking for a pumpkin to carve, here are a few tips to consider from Schnepf herself:
• Use the thumbnail test. Press your thumbnail into the pumpkin; if your nail makes a scratch in the pumpkin, do not select.
• Choose a pumpkin with a stem at least 1 to 2 inches long. Never carry it by the stem.
• Select a pumpkin with a flat bottom, so it will stand upright.
• Color is also important. Light-colored pumpkins are easier to carve because the skin is not as hard as darker ones, but they will not keep as well.
• Before carving or displaying, wash the pumpkin with warm water and let it dry. The pumpkin will last longer in a cool place. After carving, coat the inside of the pumpkin and the cuts with petroleum jelly. A pumpkin cut for Halloween will last seven to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.
• Avoid using candles to light a pumpkin because the heat will cook the flesh, shortening its lifespan.
