Schnepf Farms has added five rides to its Pumpkin & Chili Party this year, the largest change in years to the fall festival that the Queen Creek farm holds Wednesdays through Sundays all month.
Three of the rides are new builds: the Barnyard Stampede, a family spinning coaster that AZ Family reported was imported from Italy; the Peach Pit, a drop tower; and a giant slide that runs 100 feet and requires riders to measure 42 inches or taller.
Two classic carnival rides, the Barnstormers and a teacup-style ride called the Coffee Cup Twirl, round out the additions, according to the farm and coverage by the Queen Creek Independent and AZ Family.
"This year's investment is about honoring our history while creating an entirely new level of fun for the families who visit us," Carrie Schnepf said in a release quoted by the Independent.
The farm began as a family operation in 1941 and is in its 85th year. The festival now offers upward of 25 rides and shows in all, the Independent reported, including the pig races, a stunt dog show, a BMX bike show and a 10-acre corn maze themed to the nation's 250th birthday.
What else is new
Visitors will see 10 oversized polka-dot pumpkin displays, from 3 to 7 feet tall, designed by a Japanese artist, AZ Family reported. A new food passport lets guests try items from five food and drink stands on one purchase, and the farm is taking preorders for chili dinners with a set pickup time to shorten lines.
A hop-on, hop-off day train with stops at the main depot, the bakery and the mini golf area costs $7 and runs until 6 p.m., according to the farm's site; a separate spooky train ride costs $10 and starts at 6:30 p.m. A Phoenix Raceway pedal car event with a NASCAR driver is planned for 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 30.
