(StatePoint) Calling all bargain hunters, foodies and anyone looking for an authentic cultural experience – Lancaster County, home to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is the place to be over the next few months thanks to its unique Amish mud sales.
No, there is no mud for sale at an Amish mud sale. Bridging the divide between city and country, these community auctions benefit local fire companies and are named for the condition of the thawing ground in late winter and early spring.
Held on Saturdays in small towns all over the county, with start times of 8 or 8:30 a.m., the season kicked off on February 22 and runs primarily through mid-May, with a few sales sprinkled in later in the year.
Drawing thousands of people, these colorful, inviting occasions provide a sense of community and tradition, along with wonderful opportunities to mingle with local Amish who are either running the sales or enjoying a fun day full of great deals and PA Dutch eats themselves.
The huge range of items for sale includes everything from hand-stitched quilts donated by Amish women’s groups and locally-made furniture to farm and gardening equipment, crafts, toys, buggies, antiques and housewares. In fact, even the kitchen sink is up for bid!
In a sight that may seem like organized chaos to the novice mud sale visitor, up to six or seven auctions are conducted simultaneously as Amish and “English” mill together over the many items bound for the auction block, all amounting to a one-of-a-kind shopping experience at budget-friendly prices.
Whether one is bidding or just browsing, an additional treat is the hearty and delicious PA Dutch fare on offer, like chicken corn soup, funnel cakes, pot pie, birch beer, sticky buns, chicken barbecue, and lots of hot cider and coffee. Many enjoy the eats just as much as the finds.
For newcomers and veterans alike, there’s nothing more authentic in Lancaster County than its annual mud sales season.
But that’s not all that’s on offer in the area. Beyond mud sales, spring visitors to Lancaster County can make a full weekend of it by taking in Lancaster City’s vibrant downtown – with galleries, great dining, specialty shops and live music – or by exploring surrounding towns and villages to get a sampling of the heritage, food, craftsmanship and attractions for which Lancaster is famous.
For more details about the 2025 line-up of mud sales, including locations, dates and times, visit discoverlancaster.com/mudsales. To plan your trip to Lancaster County, visit www.DiscoverLancaster.com.
Photo 1 Credit: DiscoverLancaster.com
Photo 2 Credit: DiscoverLancaster.com
Photo 3 Credit: DiscoverLancaster.com
