While some people dread the springtime when everything is wet, brown & muddy following a snowy winter, in Lancaster County, it is one of the most exciting times of the year. Starting in February, Amish Mud Sales pop up all over the county offering incredible deals on everything from antiques to farmed goods to clothing and Amish Quilts.
This blog is all about Lancaster Mud Sales
What is a Mud Sale?
Unlike many other communities throughout the country, Lancaster County's Fire Companies are 100% Volunteer organizations, therefore they are only partially funded by local taxes. The remainder of their financial needs are met by hosting local fundraisers which is where Amish Mud Sales come in! Throughout the spring, the various Amish Country volunteer fire companies throw gigantic sales to raise money the money they need. Every fire company, small and large, throws their own separate mud sale and you can find a special event on nearly any Saturday of the season.
What to Look for at Mud Sales:
Most mud sales carry similar types of items that are separated into categorized bidding auctions. Sometimes there are multiple auctions taking place at the same time in different areas of one massive tent. Popular areas include building materials which can range from incredible deals on 2x4’s to reclaimed barn wood and antique fixtures. If that doesn’t speak to you, then step over to the next auction and you’ll most likely find a plethora of antiques, handmade Amish quilts, outdoor furniture or household goods.
Most Popular Mud Sales in Lancaster PA:
There are dozens of mud sales going on throughout the county starting in late February and stretching all the way into the fall months (We know, it's not muddy by then, but they're still called Mud Sales... go figure!). 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, followed by the complete schedule:
Everyone is geared up and ready to kick off the mud sale season with the Strasburg Fire Company. 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.
In early March 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.
Later in March, 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.
While most mud sales will auction off anything that isn’t bolted down, the Lancaster County Carriage and Antiques Action in late June 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.
Complete Schedule for 2023 Mud Sales
February:
Friday & Saturday, February 24-25, 2023
Strasburg Spring Consignment & Mud Sale
Strasburg Fire Company
203 Franklin Street, Strasburg, PA 17572
717-687-7232 | website
March:
Friday & Saturday, March 3-4, 2023
Bart Township Auction & Mud Sale
Bart Township Fire Company
11 Furnace Road, Quarryville, PA 17566
Book Your Lancaster Mud Sale Getaway at the Historic Smithton Inn
To make the most out of your trip, Book your stay at the Historic Smithton Inn!! After you've shopped 'til you drop, return to your cozy guest room or suite, enjoy a glass of wine in our on-site wine bar & make your plans for dinner either at Weathered Vineyards Ephrata (weekends) or at a wonderful nearby restaurant. When you wake up the morning we'll spoil you with a fantastic homecooked breakfast (calories in Lancaster STAY in Lancaster!!!).
During winter-months, every single guest room has a fireplace you can cozy up to. In the summer months, just take the party outside out our lovely sunken fire pit. Guest rooms also all have private baths, reliable Wi-Fi, flat screen Smart TVs and luxurious sheets & towels. Book your room online today, or call the Innkeepers at 717-733-6094 if you have some questions or prefer to make your reservation over the phone.
This blog was all about Lancaster Mud Sales
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