Lancaster County Mud Sales
January 14, 2020
While some people dread the springtime mud season that follows a snowy winter, in Lancaster County, it is one of the most exciting times of the year. Starting in February, mud sales pop up all over the county offering incredible deals on everything from antiques to farmed goods to clothing.
What is a Mud Sale?
Throughout the spring, the various Amish volunteer fire companies throw gigantic sales to raise money for the following year. Every fire company, small and large, throws their own separate mud sale and you can find a special event on any Saturday of the season.
What to Look for at Mud Sales:
Most mud sales carry similar items and separate into categorized bidding auctions, many happening at the same time under one tent. Popular areas include building materials which can range from incredible deals on 2x4’s to reclaimed barnwood and antique fixtures. If that doesn’t call to you, then step over to the next auction and you’ll most likely find a plethora of antiques, handmade Amish quilts, or house goods.
Most Anticipated Mud Sales:
There are dozens of mud sales going on throughout the county starting in late February and stretching all the way into August. While you could hit any one of these mud sales and be met with the same magical experience, there are a few that are simply too good to miss.
Strasburg Spring Consignment & Mud Sale
Everyone is geared up and ready to kick off the mud sale season with the Strasburg Fire Company on February 28th & 29th. Antiques, shrubs, and food will all be auctioned off at this great event, but one of the most anticipated parts is the craft tent which will be filled with crafts from dainty jewelry to furniture.
Gordonville Spring Mud Sale
On March 13th & 14th you may notice that the majority of Lancaster County is a ghost town. Restaurants will be empty, downtowns will be sparse of people, and roads will have only a few cars on them because everyone will be at the Gordonville Spring Mud Sale. This enormous event happens twice a year and is known to have the best antiques, crafts, farm equipment, and furniture. The auction starts on Friday night and continues early on Saturday morning. Make sure to wake early as this is the sale of the year that you won’t want to miss.
Farmersville Mud Sale
On March 27th , people will flock to the nearby town of Ephrata for the Farmersville Mud Sale. This mud sale is known to have an incredible selection of flowering plants and shrubs to welcome your yard into summer. Pick up some unique species of flora and explore the collection of furniture, quilts, and home decor pieces being auctioned off at this mud sale.
Lancaster County Carriage and Antiques Auction
While most mud sales will auction off anything that isn’t bolted down, the Lancaster County Carriage and Antiques Action on June 25th & 26th focuses on carriages and equine antiques. Head to Bird-in-Hand to see the most incredible collection of buggies, farming antiques, and horse accessories. Even if you don’t own a horse or don’t have a room for a horse-drawn carriage, this is still a must-see event.
Bummed that you can’t make any of these incredible mud sales? Don’t fret as there are dozens of these sales taking over weekends all the way through October. For a complete list of mud sales around our inn, check out our blog post The Complete List of Lancaster County’s 2020 Mud Sales.
The magic of Lancaster County’s mud sales cannot be described until you experience them. The buzz of excitement in the air mixed with the promise of incredible goods make this one of the best annual traditions in the county. Experience a little slice of life here with the Lancaster County mud sales.
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Ready to explore Lancaster County’s must-see mud sales? Book a stay at the Historic Smithton Inn, a charming & modern bed and breakfast in Ephrata, PA.