What are Amish Mud Sales?
Mud sales, named for the condition of the thawing ground in late winter and early spring, are major fundraisers for the volunteer fire companies throughout Amish communities. They are huge events, sometimes drawing as many as 20,000 people, where everything from hand-stitched quilts (donated by the Amish women's groups) and locally-made crafts to livestock, furniture, produce, baked goods, antiques, housewares, even the kitchen sink are all up for bid. In a sight that may seem like organized chaos to novice mud sale visitors, six or seven auctions are conducted simultaneously as Amish and "English" mill together over the many items bound for the auction block.
When are Mud Sales Held?
In the past it was typically each Saturday from late February to mid-April; but now mud sales last throughout most of the year. Most sales begin at 8:00 or 8:30 AM sharp, with activities continuing until 2:00 to 3:00 PM for those who wish to catch a glimpse of some local color and enjoy sampling traditional Lancaster County farm fare.
Good Eats
Whether bidding or just browsing, no mud sale experience is complete without a sampling of the hearty farm fare offered at every sale. On a chilly morning, warm up with some Pennsylvania Dutch chicken corn soup, a staple at every mud sale, or try a breakfast treat with a Pennsylvania Dutch sticky bun or funnel cake. The mud sales in Lancaster take on almost a community fair atmosphere. While bargains are to be had, so is the camaraderie, as folks come together to compare their winnings and share in the experience.
City Meets Country
With the variety of items and the unique heritage, the Pennsylvania Dutch Country mud sales provide patrons not only with bargains, but a sense of community and tradition. Inviting and never dull, the sales break down the divide between city and country, melting the two together to showcase the beauty of Lancaster County.
Visit a Lancaster County Mud Sale in 2023
Note: If exact date is not listed, please check back for updated information, as this page will be revised throughout the year. Be sure to check relevant website or phone number below for exact address and parking arrangements.
Spring Mud Sales
February 24th & 25th
Strasburg Fire Company
203 Franklin Street, Strasburg, PA 17572
717-687-7232
March 3rd and March 4th
Bart Township Fire Company
11 Furnace Road, Quarryville, PA 17566
717-786-3348
March 10th & 11th
Gordonville Fire Company
Old Leacock Road, Gordonville, PA 17566
717-768-3512
March 17th & 18th
Penryn Volunteer Fire Company
1441 North Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545
717-664-2825
March 18th
Airville Volunteer Fire Company
3576 Delta Road, Airville, PA 17602
717-862-3806
March 18th
West Earl Fire Company
14 School Lane Avenue, Brownstown, PA 17508
717-989-5986
March 24th
Farmersville Volunteer Fire Company
74 East Farmersville Road, Ephrata, PA 17522
717-354-5094
March 25th
Gap Fire Company
802 Pequea Avenue, Gap, PA 17527
610-593-2480
April 1st
Robert Fulton Volunteer Fire Company
2271 Robert Fulton Highway (Routes 272 & 222), Peach Bottom, PA 17563
717-548-8995
April 14th & 15th
Rawlinsville Volunteer Fire Company
33 Martic Heights Drive, Holtwood, PA 17532
717-284-3023
April 15th
Schoeneck Fire Company
125 N. King Street, Denver, PA 17517
717-336-6767
May 6th
Fivepointville Fire Company
1087 Dry Tavern Road, Denver, PA 17517
717-445-4933
May 13th
Honey Brook Fire Company
Romano 4H Center, 1841 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344
610-273-2688
May 19th & 20th
Weaverland Valley Fire Department
210 Lancaster Avenue, Terre Hill, PA 17528
717-445-7066