What is a ‘Mud Sale’?
Many Lancaster County towns and villages are protected by volunteer fire companies. These fire companies need to raise funds to pay for needed equipment and supplies. Fire company sales have been a regular event here in Lancaster County since the mid-1960′s.
The late Winter and early Spring dates work out best for local farmers because they have more time available before the Spring planting. Since many of the items are sold outside during potentially muddy Spring conditions, these events have earned the nickname “mud sales”.
Often auctions are held both inside and outside, and sometimes numerous auctions take place at the same time throughout the grounds. You can freely move about from one auction to another looking for the merchandise that most interests you.
The items that are auctioned vary from one auction to another and include a wide variety of donated goods and consignment merchandise. Auctioned items often include furniture, craft items, quilts, building materials, livestock, buggies and carriages, tools, farming supplies and equipment, garden items, and much more. Plus, there is always lots of good home-cooked food for sale and to enjoy there.
Mud sales take place somewhere in Lancaster County almost every weekend through the late Winter and early Spring. Some do take place during the Summer and Fall as well. Check the schedule below for upcoming dates and locations.
So, grab the whole family, throw on your boots, and take in a mud sale for a truly unique Lancaster experience!
2013 Lancaster County Mud Sale Schedule:
February 23 – Strasburg Spring Consignment & Mud Sale
See our blog post, photos, and video from this year’s Strasburg Spring Auction Mud Sale.
Strasburg Fire Co., 46 W. Main Street, Strasburg, PA 17572, 717-687-7232
March 2 – 49th Annual Bart Township Auction & Mud Sale
Bart Township Fire Co., 11 Furnace Rd, Quarryville, PA 17566, 717-786-3348
March 9 – Gordonville Spring Mud Sale & Auction
See our blog post and images from this year’s Gordonville Auction & Mud Sale.
Gordonville Fire Co., Old Leacock Road, Gordonville, PA 17566, 717-768-3869
March 16 – West Earl Fire Company Quilt & Consignment Auction
West Earl Fire Company, 14 School Lane Ave, Brownstown, PA 17508, 717-989-5986 (No Sunday Calls)
March 16 – Bart Township Building Materials and Craft Sale
Bart Township Fire Company, 11 Furnace Rd, Quarryville, PA 17566, 717-786-3348
March 23 – Gap Fire Company Sale
Gap Fire Company, 802 Pequea Avenue, Gap, PA 17527, 717-442-9549
May 11 – Honey Brook Fire Company Quilt Sale & Consignment Auction
Honey Brook Fire Company, Romano 4H Center, 1841 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA 19344, 610-273-2688
August 17 – Intercourse Fire Company Consignment Auction
Intercourse Fire Company, 10 North Hollander Rd., Intercourse, PA 17534, 717-768-3402
August 24 – Bareville Fire Company Consignment Auction
Bareville Volunteer Fire Company, 211 East Main Street, Leola, PA 17540, 717-656-7554
October 26 – Cochranville Fire Company Mud Sale
Cochranville Volunteer Fire Company, 3135 Limestone Road, Cochranville, PA 19330, 610-593-5800
Tell Us What You Think About Mud Sales
What are some of your favorite mud sale experiences? We want to know what you think. Please share your mud sale adventures and comments below.
Considering a visit to Lancaster County?
We had a blast when we took our family. There was a lot going on at once – auctions, unique merchandise for sale, good food. The whole family enjoyed it. Bring your camera.