2024 Mud Sale Guide
Venture into the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country and you’ll stumble upon a unique cultural phenomenon: mud sales. These vibrant events, held at various volunteer fire companies throughout Lancaster County and beyond, offer a fascinating glimpse into Amish culture and rural life while supporting essential community institutions.
Supporting Local Heroes
Mud sales are more than just auctions—they’re a lifeline for local volunteer fire companies. These organizations play a crucial role in keeping communities safe, and the funds raised from mud sales often make up a significant portion of their annual budgets. By attending these lively gatherings, visitors not only get to enjoy the festivities but also contribute to a worthy cause.
A Closer Look
So, what exactly is a mud sale? Picture this: rows of buggies parked in a field, colorful quilts fluttering in the breeze, and the mouthwatering aroma of auction food filling the air. Mud sales offer a bit of everything, from farm equipment and handmade crafts to antiques and even horses. It’s a treasure trove for bargain hunters and culture enthusiasts alike.
Origins and Traditions
The name “mud sale” harks back to the spring thaw, when rural fields turn into muddy quagmires. This tradition, which dates back to the 1960s, initially began as a way for local farmers to buy and sell equipment before planting season. Over time, mud sales evolved into beloved community events, drawing crowds of both Plain and non-Plain residents.
The Experience
Attending a mud sale is like stepping into a living postcard of rural Pennsylvania. Whether you’re browsing the auction items, sampling homemade treats, or chatting with locals, there’s never a dull moment. And with many sales spanning two days and featuring themed auctions, there’s always something new to discover.
Where and When
While the bulk of mud sales take place in Lancaster County, a few can be found in neighboring counties like Chester, York, and Dauphin. The season kicks off in late February in Strasburg, with auctions continuing through spring and even into summer and autumn.
Join the Fun
Whether you’re a seasoned mud sale veteran or a first-time visitor, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities. So grab your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare for a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the thrill of the auctioneer’s gavel. Don’t miss out on this annual tradition that brings communities together and supports our local heroes!
Exciting Lineup: Mud Sale Calendar 2024 Unveiled! (Lancaster County & Surrounding Areas)
Prepare for an adventure-filled year as we unveil the eagerly awaited Mud Sale Calendar for 2024 in Lancaster County and beyond! These vibrant events are a hallmark of our community, showcasing unique items, delicious food, and the spirited atmosphere of local fire companies coming together to support their communities.
Mark Your Calendars
Before setting out on your mud sale adventure, it’s essential to double-check the dates and times to avoid any surprises. Mud sales primarily take place on Saturdays, though some may extend to Fridays as well. Keep in mind that certain treasures, such as quilts and flowers, may be available at specific times, so a quick visit to the fire company’s website for more details is highly recommended.
While changes to the schedule are rare, it’s always wise to confirm the details before embarking on your journey. With this year’s schedule expected to be more reliable than ever before, you can look forward to a seamless and enjoyable mud sale experience.
Stay Informed
For further information and updates, including finalized start times and additional details about specific events, be sure to keep an eye on the fire company websites listed below. Some sales, particularly those scheduled for later in the year, may still be in the process of finalizing their plans. Rest assured, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Don’t miss out on the excitement and camaraderie of Lancaster County’s mud sales in 2024! Whether you’re a seasoned mud sale enthusiast or embarking on your first adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at these beloved community events. Get ready to bid, browse, and indulge in the unique charm of mud sale season!
February 2024
February 23 & 24
Strasburg Fire Company
203 Franklin Street, Strasburg, PA 17572
717-687-7232
Friday (Feb. 23) start time: 4pm
Saturday (Feb. 24) start time: 8am
March 2024
March 2
Bart Township Fire Company
11 Furnace Road, Quarryville, PA 17566
717-786-3348
Auction start time: 8am
March 8 and 9
Pequea Valley Fire Department/Gordonville Mud Sale
3204 Vigilant St./Old Leacock Road, Gordonville, PA 17529
717-768-3869
pvfd40.com or https://www.facebook.com/gordonvillesale/
March 15 & 16
Penryn Fire Company
1441 N. Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545
717-665-2535
penrynfire.com
Friday (Mar. 15) start time: 12pm
Saturday (Mar. 16) start time: 8am
March 16
West Earl Fire Company Consignment & Quilt Auction
14 School Lane Avenue, Brownstown, PA 17508
717-656-6791
https://www.facebook.com/westearlfire/
Auction start time: 8am
March 16
Airville Volunteer Fire Company
3576 Delta Road, Airville, PA 17302
717-862-3806
lanc.news/Airville24
Auction start time: 8:30am
March 22
Farmersville Fire Company
74 E. Farmersville Road, Ephrata, PA 17522
717-354-5841
farmersvillefire.com
Auction start time (Friday auction): 4:30pm
March 22 & 23
Gap Fire Company
Houston Run Corporate Center, 835 Houston Run Drive, Gap, PA 17527
717-442-8100
facebook.com/GFC42
Friday (Mar. 22) start time: 5pm
Saturday (Mar. 23) start time: 8am
April 2024
April 6
Robert Fulton Fire Company
2271 Robert Fulton Highway (Routes 272 and 222), Peach Bottom, PA 17563
717-548-2531
facebook.com/rffc89
Auction start time: 8am
April 12 & 13
Rawlinsville Fire Company
33 Martic Heights Dr, Holtwood, PA 17532
717-284-3023
facebook.com/RVFC58
Friday (Apr. 12) start time: 5pm
Saturday (Apr. 13) start time: 7am
April 20
Schoeneck Fire Company
125 N King St, Denver, PA 17517
717-336-6767
schoeneckfire.com
Auction start time: 9am
May 2024
May 3 and 4
Fivepointville Fire Company
1078 Dry Tavern Road, Denver, PA 17517
717-445-4933
fivepointvillefire.net
Friday (May 3) start time: 6:30pm
Saturday (May 4) start time: 8am
May 3 and 4
Gratz Fire Company
601 E Market St, Gratz, PA 17030
717-365-3121
May 11
Honey Brook Fire Company
679 Firehouse Lane, Honey Brook, PA 19344
610-273-2688
honeybrookfire.org
Auction start time: 8:30am
May 17 & 18
Weaverland Valley Fire Department
Weaverland Produce Auction, 1030 Precast Road, New Holland, PA 17557
717-445-5072
https://www.facebook.com/p/Weaverland-Valley-Fire-Department-100064310066815/
Friday (May 17) start time: 6pm
Saturday (May 18) start time: 8am
June 2024
June 8
Pequea Valley Fire Department/Kinzer Mud Sale
3521 Lincoln Highway East, Kinzers, PA 17535
pvfd40.com
June 21 & 22
Refton Fire Company
99 Church St., Refton, PA 17568
717-786-9462
facebook.com/ReftonFireCompany
June 27 & 28
Lancaster County Carriage and Antique Auction (benefits Bird-in-Hand Volunteer Fire Company)
338 N. Ronks Road, Bird in Hand, PA 17505
bihfire.com/events/auction
Thursday (Jun. 27) start time: 3pm
Friday (Jun. 28) start time: 8am
Note: times may change. Confirm at the source.
August 2024
August 9 & 10
Gap Relief Auction
Solanco Fairgrounds, Park Avenue, Quarryville, PA 17566
mcc.org/events/gap-relief-auction
Friday (Aug. 9) start time: 7:15pm
Saturday (Aug. 10) start time: 8:30am
Note: unlike other events listed here, this sale benefits not a fire company but distaster relief organizationMennonite Central Committee
August 24
Bareville Fire Company
211 E. Main St., Leola, PA 17540
717-656-7554
barevillefire.com
September 2024
September 21
Pequea Valley Fire Department/Gordonville Fall Sale
3204 Vigilant St./Old Leacock Road, Gordonville, PA 17529
717-768-3869
facebook.com/gordonvillesale
October 2024
October 26
Cochranville Fire Company
3135 Limestone Road, Cochranville, PA 19330