It's that time of year again where our family waits with great anticipation for the annual Schnepf Farm's Pumpkin & Chili Party. It's become a family tradition to attend this event every October to begin arousing those feelings of fall and the holiday season.

Mark & Carrie Schnepf as well as their 4 children are the sole operators of this event located on their farm in Queen Creek, Arizona. The Pumpkin & Chili Party begins on the first Thursday in October, 2009 and is open every Thursday through Sunday through the end of October. The farm is located at 24810 South Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, AZ. 85242. The telephone number is: 480-987-3100.

Hours of operation are: Thursday & Sunday from 10a.m. to 9p.m. & Friday & Saturday from 10a.m. to 10p.m. The cost for admission to the farm is: $14.00 per person. You can purchase discount
tickets at Fry's for $12.00. The admission cost for children ages 2 & under is: free. Queen Creek residents receive a 50% discount on admission every Thursday. Residents must show proof of residency such as a power bill. Those 65 years old & older receive a 50% discount on admission every Thursday & Friday.

Admission cost includes most of the rides and childrens activities such as the miniature golf, petting barn, witch mountain, roller coaster, live entertainment and much more. There is a fireworks show every Friday and Saturday night and the cost to attend is included in the admission price.

Also included in the admission price is "Rocket's K-9 Comets Frisbee Dog Stars." Every Thursday & Friday at 11:30a.m. & 6:30p.m. Every Saturday & Sunday at 12:30p.m., 3:30p.m., 6:30p.m.

Food details: Outdoor grills -
Serve: Chili, chili dogs, hot dogs & pulled pork sandwiches. Chili & chicken dinner served on grills in front of the main stage. Cost is $3.00 for a hot dog on up to $12.00 for dinner.

Burger Shack : Open every Thursday & Friday at 4:00p.m. and all day Saturday & Sunday. Serves grilled burgers, hot dogs, cheese burgers and pulled pork sandwiches.

Chile Bar & Vienna Beef Hot Dog Stand -
Serves: 4 different kinds of chili & hot dogs.

Other food carts/stands: Shaved ice, fresh lemonade, fresh donuts, polish sausage, kettle corn and roasted pecans.

Restaurant and Beer & Wine Bar: Live Jazz music every Friday & Saturday night.

Additional activities & events include:

*Celebrity Corn Maze* -
which opens this year the 3rd week of October and remains open through Thanksgiving day.
*Train Ride* - Cost: $2.00 per person. 2 years & younger are free. (Parents must pay if riding with child 2 years old & younger). Becomes the "Spooky Train" at 6:30p.m. & features new animatronics "Pumpkin King".
*Crafts & Fun* - Opens every Thursday & Friday at 4:00p.m. & all day Saturday & Sunday. Candle making cost: $2.00 to $15.00. Scarecrow making for full size clothes & includes head & straw is: $10.00.
*Private Bon Fire* - Seperate from others located on the farm. includes picnic tables, straw bales to sit on, roasting sticks & marshmallows for making smore's. Cost: $75.00 per bon fire for entire night. Includes a host for for your party who will light bon fire & take care of everything from 6:30p.m. to close. Call the farm to make reservations.

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