The 2026 Mud Sale Season: A Celebration of Community and Generosity
In the rolling hills of Lancaster County and its surrounding areas, the transition from winter to spring is marked by a unique tradition: the Mud Sale. Named for the often-soggy ground conditions of early spring, these events are massive auctions and fundraisers held by local volunteer fire companies. They are a staple of Pennsylvania Dutch culture, drawing thousands of locals and visitors alike to bid on everything from handcrafted Amish quilts and furniture to farming equipment and antiques.
While the “mud” is the namesake, the true heart of these events is the community. Whether you are looking for a bargain, a rare antique, or just a delicious chicken corn soup, the 2026 season promises a bustling schedule of events.
Know Before You Go: Tips for the 2026 Season
Mud sales are distinct from your average flea market. Here is what you need to know before packing your boots:
- Friday vs. Saturday: Most mud sales are one or two-day events. If it is a two-day sale, it typically kicks off Friday afternoon/evening and runs all day Saturday (usually starting around 8:00 AM). If it is a one-day event, it is almost always on a Saturday.
- Timing is Everything: Auctions are often segmented. For example, quilts might be sold at 10:00 AM while shrubbery goes at noon. Check the specific fire company’s website for an “Order of Sale” to ensure you don’t miss your target items.
- Verify the Details: While the schedule below is the anticipated lineup for 2026, dates and times can change. It is highly recommended to call the listed numbers or visit the provided websites to confirm details before traveling long distances.
2026 Mud Sale Calendar
February
The season kicks off in Strasburg. Be prepared for colder weather!
- Feb 27 & 28: Strasburg Fire Company
- Location: 203 Franklin Street, Strasburg, PA 17572
- Contact: 717-687-7232 | strasburgfire.com
- Times: Friday starts at 4pm; Saturday starts at 8am.
March
The season hits full swing with multiple major sales.
- March 7: Bart Township Fire Company
- Location: 11 Furnace Road, Quarryville, PA 17566
- Contact: 717-786-3348 | Facebook Page
- March 13 & 14: Pequea Valley Fire Dept (Gordonville Mud Sale)
- Location: 3204 Vigilant St./Old Leacock Road, Gordonville, PA 17529
- Contact: 717-768-3869 | pvfd40.com
- March 21: Penryn Fire Company
- Location: 1441 N. Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545
- Contact: 717-665-2535 | penrynfire.com
- Note: Also benefits Limerock Parochial School.
- March 21: West Earl Fire Company Consignment & Quilt Auction
- Location: 14 School Lane Avenue, Brownstown, PA 17508
- Contact: 717-656-6791 | westearlfire.org
- Times: Auction at 8 AM; Quilts at 11 AM.
- March 21: Airville Volunteer Fire Company
- Location: 3576 Delta Road, Airville, PA 17302
- Contact: 717-862-3806
- Start Time: 8 AM.
- March 27: Farmersville Fire Company (Friday Only)
- Location: 74 E. Farmersville Road, Ephrata, PA 17522
- Contact: 717-354-5841 | farmersvillefire.com
- Note: A unique one-day sale held on Friday only. Inside sale at 4:30 PM; Outside at 5:00 PM; Quilts approx 7:00 PM. Cash or PA check only.
- March 27 & 28: Gap Fire Company
- Location: 835 Houston Run Drive, Gap, PA 17527
- Contact: 717-442-8100 | Facebook Page
- Times: Friday 5 PM; Saturday 8 AM.
April
Spring flowers and farm equipment are usually highlights this month.
- April 4: Robert Fulton Fire Company
- Location: 2271 Robert Fulton Highway, Peach Bottom, PA 17563
- Contact: 717-548-2531
- Note: RFFC also hosts a “clean-up” sale on April 10 and a horse sale on April 25.
- April 10 & 11: Rawlinsville Fire Company
- Location: 33 Martic Heights Dr, Holtwood, PA 17532
- Contact: 717-284-3023 | Facebook Page
- April 18: Schoeneck Fire Company
- Location: 125 N King St, Denver, PA 17517
- Contact: 717-336-6767 | Facebook Page
May
Please check fire company websites to confirm dates marked TBC.
- May 1 & 2 (TBC): Gratz Fire Company
- Location: 601 E Market St, Gratz, PA 17030
- Contact: 717-365-3121
- May 2 (TBC): Fivepointville Fire Company
- Location: 1078 Dry Tavern Road, Denver, PA 17517
- Contact: 717-445-4933 | fivepointvillefire.net
- May 8 & 9 (TBC): Honey Brook Fire Company
- Location: Romano 4H Center, 1841 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344
- Contact: 610-273-2688 | honeybrookfire.org
- May 15 & 16: Weaverland Valley Fire Company
- Location: Terre Hill Community Park, 210 Lancaster Avenue, Terre Hill, PA 17528
- Contact: 717-445-5072 | Facebook Page
June
- June 5 & 6: Pequea Valley Fire Dept / Kinzer Mud Sale
- Location: 3521 Lincoln Highway East, Kinzers, PA 17535
- Contact: pvfd40.com
- June 25 & 26: Bird-in-Hand Carriage & Antique Auction
- Location: 338 N. Ronks Road, Bird in Hand, PA 17505
- Web: bihfire.com
- June 26 & 27: Refton Fire Company
- Location: 99 Church St., Refton, PA 17568
- Contact: 717-786-9462 | Facebook Page
August
- August 7 & 8: Gap Relief Auction
- Location: Solanco Fairgrounds, 172 South Lime Street, Quarryville, PA 17566
- Web: mcc.org
- Note: This sale benefits the Mennonite Central Committee (disaster relief) rather than a fire company. Expect a massive quilt selection.
- Times: Friday 4 PM; Saturday 6 AM Breakfast / 8 AM Auction.
- August 28 (TBC): Bareville Fire Company
- Location: 211 E. Main St., Leola, PA 17540
- Contact: 717-656-7554 | barevillefire.com
September
- September 19: Pequea Valley Fire Dept / Gordonville Fall Sale
- Location: 3204 Vigilant St./Old Leacock Road, Gordonville, PA 17529
- Contact: 717-768-3869 | pvfd40.com
October
- October 24: Cochranville Fire Company
- Location: 3135 Limestone Road, Cochranville, PA 19330
- Contact: 610-593-5800 | cochranvillefire.com
- Start Time: 8:30 AM.
