Who We Are
(updated January 1, 2011)
from L to R; Carrie, Connor 16, Hayden 12 (on shoulders), Mark, Grayson 15 & Mccall 13
Schnepf Farms History
Mark and Carrie Schnepf with their four children are the sole operators of Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek
Ray and Thora Schnepf moved to the desert community of what was then, Rittenhouse. The Schnepf's joined other notable farmers to begin clearing the brush to prepare it for row crops. The farmers soon realized the sandy soil in this area was perfect for crops such as cotton, wheat and vegetables. In the late 60's, Ray Schnepf began growing Potatoes used for potato chips. The Schnepf's continued to diversify in teh 70's planting Queen Palms, Mexican fan palms and pine trees in a large field. Before long the Schnepf's were farming over 5000 acres and shipping vegetables across the country. But his favorite crop was candy corn. As residence drove out to the small farming community they would often stop and ask if they could pick a few ears. It wasn't long until Ray that selling the corn for U-Pick was the way to go. And Schnepf Farms began to grow....
The first roadside canopy set up by Ray Schnepf next to his field of sweet corn
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In the mid 70's an old shed was moved to the farm as the demand for fresh vegetables grew.
The vegetable stand is now our Country Store & Bakery
Folks drove for miles to purchase 50 lb bags of sweet onions (only $4.00)
fresh potatoes and peaches were also worth the drive
In the 90's over 200 acres were opened for u-pick
One of the first festivals was 4-H day at the farm
The town was known as Queen Creek, but it had not been incorporated. Mark Schnepf and four friends began the process of incorporating their small rural community. It was the thought of being swallowed up by Mesa and Gilbert that kept them determined. 1989 it was official, Queen Creek became the Town of Queen and Mark Schnepf served as the Town's first Mayor, all 3500 people. He served as Mayor for 11 years. He was a well respected politician that loved the community he grew up in. Under his direction there was extensive planning. For years Queen Creek kept its rural atmosphere and small town feeling, all without a sales tax. Queen Creek became a planning model for other communities. As mayor, Mark also chaired the League of Cities and Towns, was presented with the American Hometown Leadership award in Washington DC and in 1997 the Arizona Republic selected him as the Best Public Official. The accolades and experience were wonderful, but Mark set politics aside and started focusing more on his farm and his growing family. 
The Schnepf's wanted to keep guests on the farm longer, so new attractions were being added. Little by little the farm grew. Folks began to enjoy a petting barn, play yard, narrow guage train and carousel. Soon farm buildings were being moved to create gift shops and a museum. In 2007 the Schnepf's added a country restaurant called "Fresh from the Farm," in the old roadside stand. The original family home, became a wedding and reception center called "the Farmhouse." All these improvements continued while still maintaining a strong agricultural presence. The Schnepf's are the largest organic Peach grower in the state and still farm hay and vegetables crops while harvesting trees.
Building Witch Mountain Giant Slide.
Schnepf Fort, built in 1999.
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Moving the office from Mak Hastings farm, across the street, to the farm.
A building from the Neely Farm in Gilbert is now our Guest Services and gift shop (used during festivals)
Our Flying Farmer ride, named after local farmers (the Sossamans, Knox, Schnepfs, Dana's) who were all members of the International Flying Farmers Association
Our Parker 1912 carousel (the oldest operating in the state) It came with wooden horses and real horse tails. We removed them for preservation. It was purchased from Wally, seen above, who had it stored in the loft of his barn in Minnasota for 15 years. It was taken apart piece by piece and lowered from a loft window before transporting. The original motor, engraved with the year 1912, is located in the museum.
Mark and McCall on Flying Farmer and Carrie and Rick who sold us the Flying Farmer ride and the Swingin Lady Bugz
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Land was sold as the farm downsized and agri-tourism began. The first big music festival hosted was Country Thunder USA in 1991. 250 acres was set aside to produce this incredible event. It remained on the farm for the next 9 years.
Clint Black and 2 year old Connor, the year 1996
In 1999 holding 2 week old Hayden with Tim McGraw
1 year old "crying" McCall with LeeAnn Rimes.......and Mark's favorite photo with Tanya Tucker (who gave Mark a personal tour of her bus.....)
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by the year 2000 Queen Creek started booming. Thousands and thousands of acres were sold to commercial developers, housing projects and thousands of people moved to this rural community."We were constantly asked to sell our land, but our goal is to leave a legacy and preserve a little of Queen Creek's agricultural history. Seeing families make memories and preserving my family farm, makes it all worth the hard work," says Mark Schnepf.
In October 2006 Schnepf Farms was designated as an "Arizona Treasure" by the Governor Janet Napolitano and Arizona Office of Tourism. It was quite the honor when Governor Napolitano and her staff made the trip out to present us the award. "We have been here 68 years and we hope to be here for another 68 years, but we don't want to do it fighting our way....we are all about making people happy and when we stop doing that, then it will be time to sell the farm." says Mark Schnepf.
Grayson Schnepf enjoying a ride on the Electric Hummer driven by Governor Napolitano (Oct. 2006) during her Arizona Treasure award visit. The Governor said it was the first vehical she had driven in 3 years.
The Transition from commercial farming to "entertainment" farming has been going on for 15 years.
Even though many of the new attractions are rides, everything is planned around existing orchards and gardens. "Farming will always be our foundation as we continue to preserve buildings, rides, etc. we will never forget that we are farmers. Our foundation is farming and our future will also be in farming, but in an entertaining and educating way. " says Mark Schnepf.
Today Schnepf Farms is enjoyed by almost a quarter of a million people during the year. They continue educate thousands of school children about the importance of agriculture and entertain thousands of families who come to the farm for festivals, jazz, good food, weddings and fresh fruits and vegetables.
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In Loving Memory of Thora Irene Schnepf August 3, 1922 - March 23, 2004 |
Thora Schnepf would often just walk up to guests and introduce herself as the owner of the farm. She them proceeded to tell the "I remember when" stories that everyone loved. She is missed dearly. This photo was taken one month before she passed away. Mark and Thora are sitting in front of the Museum. This house used to be the original farm house that Ray and Thora Schnepf lived in for 16 year this a MUST STOP to read the history of Schnepf Farms and the family. |
Our Mission Statement : To provide quality family entertainment in a safe farm setting. To educate and inform the public on Arizona agriculture. Our goal is preserve not only a little history of our farming community of Queen Creek, but preserve a true family farm, our home.
(Connor celebrating his 11th birthday with Dan Majerle and friends; and McCall and Hayden enjoying a Suns Game with the Gorilla, enjoying being "HIGH-FIVE" Kids at the Phoenix Suns Game during the Playoffs.)
Driving Address: 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85242
Mailing Address: 22601 East Cloud Road
Queen Creek, Arizona 85242
480-987-3100
Email: schfarm@gmail.com