Arizona

Queen Creek

Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek is the home of a rescued 1925 (National Carousel Association) or 1912 (Schnepf Farms) Parker carousel. The earlier date may have come from the date on the motor. It is the oldest and only pre-1930 carousel in Arizona.

The two-row portable, recently restored carousel has 14 horses including 2 kiddie horses, 4 menagerie animals (one dog, two chickens and one rabbit) and 2 chariots. Some of the figures have been attributed to Allan Herschell. At least one figure is missing from the platform. The figures operate on a grasshopper mechanism. The restoration was done by Dan Keys.

The carousel once operated in Minnesota, but it was purchased by Schnepf Farms in 1999. The carousel was purchased from an Elk River, Minnesota farmer, removed from the loft of a barn, dissembled and transported to Arizona.

The carousel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

There is no band organ.

The farm is closed June, July and August. The carousel is easily accessible any time the farm is open. There are other rides on the farm including a miniature train on one mile of track. The farm hosts many activities and festivals, and it has a wonderful bakery.

For operating times call 480-987-3100 or access their web site at www.schnepffarms.com.