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. Though it may turn into a slippery situation, it is a still a lot of fun and well worth the tripping hazards.

Mud sales are usually done from the month of March until August, partially because it is when people can come out and enjoy the weather and reunite with neighbors and friends. 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. This way you can take a smaller item with you without having to get out the checkbook or rent a U-Haul.

What may be the most fun part about mud sales is that there is plenty of local food to try and a diverse 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. This is a wonderful opportunity to truly see their culture and listen to their language. 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 our chicken and dumplings or Chow Chow a try! We’re sure you’ll love it! And don’t forget to make trip into Miller’s Smorgasbord for some additional tasty heritage dishes. 

Here is a list of 2025 mud sales:

Strasburg Spring Sale (February 21-22): 

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 1): 

Auction start at 8 a.m. Benefits Bart Township Fire Company. Location: 11 Furnace Road, Quarryville. Note: March 15, is the building materials auction. For more information call: 717-786-3348.

Gordonville Fire Co. Annual Spring Auction (March 7-8): 

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. Note: the Kinzer sale is June 6-7. 

Penryn Fire Co. and Lime Rock School Mud Sale (March 14-15): 

Chicken barbecue 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 15th): 

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 28th): 

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 (in March): 

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 19th): 

Auction starts at 8:30 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 (3rd Friday & Saturday in May – 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 6-7th): 

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 26-27th): 

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 8-9th): 

Friday’s auctions start at 6:30 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 TBD): 

Benefits: Pequea Valley Fire Department, including the Gordonville station. Location: 3204 Vigilant St./Old Leacock Road, Gordonville. For more information, visit their website.