36 MAY 2024 I t’s said that April showers bring May flowers, but May also brings home grown peach season to Arizona. And although Georgia is known as the peach state, Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek has been growing eight different varietals for more than 50 years. All of them will ripen at various times in May, and you can bring the family and pick them right from the trees. Schnepf Farms is the largest peach grower in the state. Each tree is a legacy to owner Mark Schnepf’s father, who after more than two decades of growing commercial crops, planted his first peach tree in 1967. Mark said his dad was a great experimenter of crops. He believed in diversifying, but he also loved peaches. You might say that’s how the family farm blossomed into what it is today. They no longer pick and ship. They sell their produce right on the farm. Some of the fruit goes straight to the on-site bakery, country store or ends up on the menu of the café. They make peach everything – cinnamon rolls, bread, preserves, hot sauce, even fudge. The fruit is just one of many reasons to visit Schnepf Farms in May and throughout the year. During the spring, Schnepf Farms transforms into one of the region’s most unique amusement parks. There are more than 25 rides and attractions including roller coasters, carousels, ziplines, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel and a climbing wall. They are also known for their annual events, like Hometown Fourth of July – which also happens to have Queen Creek’s premier fireworks show. At this event, you can indulge your culinary senses with multiple food trucks, take the kids down the giant slide or check out the petting zoo and the little farmer’s play yard. Thinking ahead to fall, mark your calendar for Schnepf Farms annual Pumpkin and Chili Party. This event lasts the entire month of October and is full of family fun entertainment. There are dozens of activities, including four- and 10-acre corn mazes, a spooky train ride, haunted school bus ride, hayrides and all the thrilling amusement offered at Agritainment. It also boasts one of the best pumpkin patches in Arizona. If you are looking for more than a day or evening of fun, the farm offers a weekend getaway at the Cozy Peach – a camping experience with all the comforts of a luxury hotel. Campers will be set up in a vintage Airstream, Spartan or Silver Streak decked out with a flat screen television, plush bedding and a private patio. Guests can enhance their stay with dinners, breakfast delivery, animal feedings and other activities. The Cozy Peach concierge takes care of it all. For owners Mark and Carrie Schnepf, the farm is about preserving history and making memories, both for their family and future generations, but they also hope it remains a special place for other families to create memories of their own. Activities happen all year round at this Arizona farm Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning • Leadership Programs PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music • “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available WE’RE PROUD OF OUR GR ADUATING 8TH GR ADERS! 96% OF THOSE THAT APPLIED TO PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS WERE ACCEPTED! CONGR ATULATIONS! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL CHRISTIAN VALUES. QUALITY EDUCATION. Preschool through Grade 8