The longstanding tradition of “mud sales” in Lancaster County is returning on February 24, giving folks the opportunity to mingle with the Amish at a one-of-a-kind open-air auction.  

Running through mid-April, the mud sales set up shop on the grounds of small-town fire companies throughout the county. These mud sales or auctions have been around since 1968, helping fundraise for the towns’ respective fire departments.  

Shoppers can bid on a wide range of goods, including handicrafts such as quilts, handmade furniture, home goods, and antiques. Gardening tools, farming equipment, livestock, and even Amish buggies are also on auction.   

If visitors get hungry, they can grab Amish culinary delights from food trucks, such as homemade donuts, shoofly pie, and beef barbecue.  

These events, which can draw thousands of visitors, are the perfect opportunity for attendees to get to know members of the Amish community as they go about their daily lives.  

Joel Cliff, the Director of Communications for Discover Lancaster says that this tradition is unique to Lancaster County.  

“Even though Amish communities have spread to over 30 states in the U.S., the mud sale concept does not seem to have migrated with them,” says Cliff.  

The first mud sale, which takes place on Feb 24, will be in Strasburg on the grounds of the Strasburg Fire Company. These events will occur in a different town each week through April, along with a few other sales sprinkled through late spring, summer, and fall.  

Read more about the tradition of Amish mud sales and see the full list of dates & locations at Discover Lancaster.  

What is an Amish Mud Sale?