Mark Schnepf is June 2021 Queen Creek Hometown Hero for lifetime achievements

With such rapid growth in recent years, it is fitting to take a stroll through the history that has made this place we call Queen Creek. In doing that, one can see the indelible mark that Mark Schnepf has had on the area.

To the newly transplanted Queen Creek resident, Mr. Schnepf may seem like your typical entrepreneur, creatively combining the tradition of a working farm with family entertainment-based attractions, birthing the idea of “agritainment.”

And, this is impressive enough, but his story goes deeper.

When Mark’s parents moved to this area, then Rittenhouse, they joined others in the farming of the land. Through the ‘60s and ‘70s, they tried out different crops and among their favorite was candy corn and peaches, which they allowed visitors to come and pick. Mark’s dad, Ray Schnepf, knew then that this was a direction Schnepf Farms could grow beyond the community staple.

Mr. Schnepf was among the first group of residents who began the process of incorporating the area in hopes to protect the farming community from the urban sprawl of surrounding cities. He became the Town of Queen Creek’s first mayor when the name changed from Rittenhouse in 1989, population 3,500, records show.

He served as Mayor for 11 years during an era of massive planning. During that time, he chaired the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, was presented with the American Hometown Leadership Award at the nation’s capitol and was selected by the Arizona Republic as “Best Public Official.”

After his years in politics, Mark focused more on his family and diversifying the farm whereas the notion of agritourism began.

Schnepf Farms originally hosted Country Thunder for many years and slowly added attractions such as a petting zoo, carousel rides, a bakery, train ride, and more. As it celebrates its 80-year anniversary this year, Schnepf Farms continues to bring seasonal attractions to keep visitors coming back, hosting popular yearly events, weddings, and more.

Also, part of the original farmland has been transformed into Queen Creek’s only cemetery, San Tan Memorial Gardens.

The Queen Creek Independent is pleased to announce Mark Schnepf as the June 2021 Hometown Hero bestowed in the category of Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Schnepf was nominated by his wife, Carrie, and son, Connor, who both also work on the daily operations at Schnepf Farms.

The Queen Creek Independent, along with East Valley Institute of Technology, Sterling Services, and the Queen Creek Olive Mill salute Mr. Schnepf as this month’s Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipient.

Nominations Sought

Submissions will continuously be sought from the Queen Creek community in multiple categories. All nominations to aznews@newszap.com will be reviewed, and monthly winners will be selected based on their community contributions.

Nominations should include name, email address, and phone number along with the category of nomination, some details about the person being nominated, and what accomplishments they have done.

A nomination form is here.