2024 Mud Sales You Don’t Want to Miss in Lancaster PA
February 8, 2024Local Pennsylvania Fun, Food, and Festivities
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Lancaster area and staying at our award winning hotel, mud sales are an exciting way to spend a spring or summer day. A tradition that has been around since the 1800s, mud sales are held throughout the Amish and Mennonite countryside of Lancaster County. These sales feature auctions, food vendors, and more. Although mud sales are traditionally in the spring, we also have a number of outside auctions in the fall as well. Plus, you can feel good about spending your money as these mud sales all benefit local fire departments or non-profits.
These are just a few of the many mud sales that are taking place in Lancaster in 2024. Make sure to plan ahead when making travel reservations as these local mud sales tend to draw a lot of attention!
Here is a list of 2024 mud sales:
Strasburg Spring Sale (February 23-24):
This is one of the earliest mud sales. Friday’s auctions start at 4 p.m. and Saturday’s auctions start at 8 a.m. Benefits Strasburg Fire Company. Location: 203 W. Franklin St., Strasburg. For more information call: 717-687-7232.
Bart Township Fire Co. Spring Mud Sale (March 2):
Auction start at 8 a.m. Benefits Bart Township Fire Company. Location: 11 Furnace Road, Quarryville. Note: March 16, is the building materials auction. For more information call: 717-786-3348.
Gordonville Fire Co. Annual Spring Auction (March 8-9):
Auction start at 8 a.m. Benefits Pequea Valley Fire Department, including the Gordonville station. Features: Buggies, farm equipment, lawn furniture, construction tools, quilts, crafts and more. Location: 3204 Vigilant St./Old Leacock Road, Gordonville. For more information, visit their website.
Penryn Fire Co. and Lime Rock School Mud Sale (March 15-16):
Chicken barbeque sales (drive-thru and eat-in) start Friday at noon. Friday’s evenings tool and craft auctions start at 5:30 p.m. Saturday’s auctions start at 8:30 a.m. Auction includes: crafts, quilts, tools, shrubs, grocery items, swing sets, produce, antiques and collectibles. Benefits Penryn Company and Lime Rock School. Location: 1441 N. Penryn Road, Manheim. For more information, visit their website.
West Earl Fire Company Consignment and Quilt Auction (March 16th):
This sale features handmade quilts, furniture, storage sheds, gift cards, crafts and other items. There will be plenty of food available, too. Starts at 8 a.m. Benefits: West Earl Fire Company. Location: 14 School Lane Avenue, Brownstown. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Farmersville Fire Co. 47th Annual Community Auction (March 22nd):
Starts at 4:30 p.m. Features: tools, furniture, flowers, baked goods, gif certificates and more. Benefits: Farmersville Fire Company. Location: 74 E. Farmersville Road, Ephrata. For more information, visit their website.
Gap Fire Company Mud Sale (March 22nd- 23rd):
Starts at 5 p.m Friday and 8 a.m on Saturday. Benefits: Gap Fire Company. Location: Houston Run Corporate Center, 835 Houston Run Drive, Gap. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Schoeneck Fire Company Mud Sale and Quilt Auction (April 20th):
Auction starts at 9 a.m. Quilt auction starts at 11 a.m. Benefits: Schoeneck Fire Company. Location: 125 N. King St., Denver. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Weaverland Valley Annual Mud Sale (May 17-18th):
Friday starts at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. Location: Weaverland Produce Auction, 1030 Precast Road, New Holland. Benefits Weaverland Valley Fire Department. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Pequea Valley Fire Department Annual Kinzer Mud Sale (June 8th):
Friday starts at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. Location: 3521 Lincoln Highway East, Kinzers. Benefits Pequea Valley Fire Department, including the Kinzer station. For more information, visit their website.
Lancaster County Carriage and Antique Auction (June 27-28th):
Thursday’s auctions start at 3 p.m. Friday’s auctions start at 8 a.m. Check sales catalog for changes. Features: food, mini-horses, shrubs, carriages, quilts, crafts and more. Benefits: Bird-in-Hand Volunteer Fire Company. Location: 338 N. Ronks Road, Bird in Hand. For more information, visit their website.
Gap Relief Auction (August 9-10th):
Friday’s auctions start at 7:15 p.m and dinner starts at 4 p.m. Saturday’s auctions start at 8:30 a.m and breakfast at 6 a.m. Features: farm items, quilts, crafts, shrubbery and more. Even a children’s auction selling items for children from children. Benefits: Mennonite Central Committee. Location: Solanco Fairgrounds, Park Avenue, Quarryville. For more information, visit their website.
Pequea Valley Fire Department Annual Gordonville Fall Sale (September 21):
Benefits: Pequea Valley Fire Department, including the Gordonville station. Location: 3204 Vigilant St./Old Leacock Road, Gordonville. For more information, visit their website.
More about Mud Sales
Mud sales are a fun and almost legendary event that historically has been organized by the Amish community to support the local fire company. These mud sales often include great food and great deals on furniture, crafts, livestock, and machinery. The origin of the term, “mud sale,” comes from the fact that these auctions are done in early spring when the ground is beginning to thaw.
Since they originated, however, mud sales have become popular all-year-round and that makes them even more varied and convenient for those that live in Amish country or those that are visiting. Most mud sales begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day with food and fun activities. They’re a great place to bring your family or go looking for wonderful furniture pieces for your new home! You may even find an amazing quilt for Mom!
While everything Amish from livestock to quilts are sold at mud sales you can also find farm equipment, machinery and smaller crafts and home goods as well. Though many people come to mud sales for larger pieces, there are plenty of smaller items that can make wonderful gifts for those at home or souvenirs for your home. Smaller pieces such as handmade home goods and baked goods are created and sold without an auction or the need to hurry and pay. It does depend on the mud sale so make sure to do your research on what to expect for sale prior to going.
What may be the most fun part about mud sales is that there is plenty of local food to try and a variety of things to see. Unlike most places in Lancaster County, it is likely the Amish will outnumber you two to one at a mud sale. While you’re there you can also indulge on all foods “Dutchified.” While you will definitely find your whoopie pies and soft pretzels, there are even more options for you to choose from! So go ahead and give chicken and dumplings or Chow Chow a try! We’re sure you’ll love it!
A Unique & Memorable Experience
Visiting Lancaster PA during mud season is an experience unlike any other. It’s full of fun activities for people of all ages! From experiencing an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Auction, to enjoying delicious homemade foods, there’s something for everyone at these 2024 mud sales in Lancaster PA! So whether you’re looking for a unique shopping experience or just looking to have some fun with family or friends, make sure to check out one (or more!) of these amazing events this year! It’ll definitely be a day you won’t forget! Of course, for those of us who like to save on our stay or activities, we’ve put together some great offers on hotel stays and Lancaster experiences or events.
Need a place to stay when visiting? Check out AmishView Inn & Suites, the #1 boutique hotel in Lancaster PA for great amenities, friendly staff, and convenient location.