QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. — For the first time in 29 years, family farm Schnepf Farms closed its annual Pumpkin and Chili Party due to heavy rain on Sunday.

Carrie Schnepf, one of the farm’s owners, said the farm normally welcomes rain, but October storms during the festival create unique challenges.

“We need that rain, but we don't need it on the weekends,” she said.

The festival, which Schnepf says welcomes crowds of 8,000 to 9,000 a day throughout October, saw flooding in parts of the event, soaking pumpkins and flooding tables and stacks of hay.

“It’s really impossible for us to open up,” Schnepf said.

She explained that safety and visitor experience were also factors in the closure.

“Some of the rides can't operate, and when people come out, they want the rides to operate, and then e

See Full Page