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Christmas at Schnepf Farms Returns for Its Fifth Consecutive Year

QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. -- Just in time for the holiday season, Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek is transforming into a magical winter wonderland, slated to open the day after Thanksgiving. Christmas at Schnepf Farms spans more than 30 acres of the east valley farm and is filled with lights and more than 40 holiday-themed attractions to delight the entire family.

In addition to a new petting zoo, visitors can take a hayride to feed the reindeer, listen to carolers and stop by Santa's workshop, which offers a letter-writing station with authentic mailboxes to send notes to the North Pole. Also on the list of attractions is a giant Christmas-themed obstacle course, pinecone decorating and other crafts for kids, ice skating and snow-globe mini golf.

Another highlight of Christmas at Schnepf Farms is the Illumination Express train ride, where guests can experience a train trip through an RGB LED tunnel that doubles as Santa's magic portal. When finished, visitors can soak up the warmth of one of the farm's Christmas campfires, complete with the option of an added-on s'mores kit. In addition to a variety of food vendors and food trucks, adults can enjoy a large beer and wine garden while the children explore the park. This year single-serve wine bottles, holiday craft cocktails and a coffee and hot chocolate bar are all available to aid in the merriment.

"This is the fifth year that Christmas at Schnepf Farms has been open during the holidays and it's set to be our biggest and best yet," said one of the farm's organizers, Callie Graham. "With such a wide variety of rides, shops, treats and festive attractions, it's the one place the whole family can all agree on during the Christmas season."

It is highly recommended that guests purchase tickets in advance at www.schnepfchristmas.com. Ticket prices begin at $18.95 online for the twilight ticket, which begins at 7:30 PM. Those who wish to arrive early at 5:00 PM can purchase a general admission ticket for $22.95 online. Children 2 years of age and under are free of charge.

Christmas at Schnepf Farms runs Thursday through Sunday, beginning November 24 until December 24 and is open all week leading up to Christmas Eve.

For more information, visit https://schnepfchristmas.com/.

Related link: https://schnepfchristmas.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles, Reports and Studies

Scorecard Ranks States for Water Efficiency and Sustainability Policies – Arizona Ranks #3 in the Nation, But Improvement is Needed to Address Water Crisis

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Today the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) released the 2022 U.S. State Policy Scorecard for Water Efficiency and Sustainability (Scorecard), which ranked each U.S. state based on its adoption of laws and policies that advance water efficiency, conservation, sustainability, and affordability. Arizona was ranked third in the nation, and second in the Colorado River Basin region, scoring 50 out of 89 possible points.

"With its desert climate, rapid population growth, and dwindling water supplies, Arizona needs to continue to make progress, such as the additional water efficiency funding approved in 2022," said Ron Burke, President and CEO of AWE. "Despite its #3 ranking, Arizona only scored 50 out of 89 possible points; the state can and should do more to address its expanding water crisis."

AWE found several gaps in how Arizona supports local water agencies, businesses, and residents in managing water efficiently and sustainably.

The report includes three priority recommendations:

* Require plumbing fixtures sold in-state to meet WaterSense efficiency specifications

* Require water rate structures that encourage conservation

* Require coordination between land use and water planning

While some states improved since AWE's previous Scorecard was released in 2017, the analysis found little progress overall, even as droughts and other climate change impacts increasingly undermine affordable, reliable water services. The average state score was only 23 out of 89 possible points.

"Water efficiency and conservation are typically the fastest and least expensive ways to save water while also lowering water bills, reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, protecting rivers and lakes, and enhancing resilience to extreme weather events," said Burke.

Effective state-level water conservation policies are even more important now that the U.S. Congress has authorized billions of dollars in loans and grants for water services as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Many of these funds will be administered by states and can only be maximized with good state policies in place.

California ranked first in the nation, with 72.5 points, followed by Texas with 54.5 points. The remaining top ten highest-ranked states, in order, are Arizona, Georgia, Washington, New York, Nevada, New Hampshire, Colorado, Minnesota.

Key findings include:

* Connecticut was the only state that reported using its own funds to support customer water bill assistance

* California is the only state that requires water utilities to plan for climate change

* 18 states use their own revenues to fund water efficiency and conservation

* 16 states provide funding for water reuse.

* 13 states require rate structures that encourage water efficiency

* 19 states require coordination between local land use and water planning agencies.

Despite the low scores, there were some bright spots, including ten states adopting point-of-sale plumbing efficiency requirements since 2017 that go beyond federal standards, for a current total of 15 states plus the District of Columbia.

To download the full report and access individual state scorecards, click here: https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/2022scorecard

About the Alliance for Water Efficiency:

The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is a nonprofit organization with more than 500 organizational members dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water across North America. AWE provides training, research, and other resources for water efficiency professionals, and we encourage the public to conserve water through tools like our Home Water Works Calculator. In addition, AWE advocates for products, programs, and policies that advance water efficiency.

Related link: https://www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022