Hello, Winnie Griggs here. I’m in the midst of writing my next Amish book, the third in my Sweetbrier Creek trilogy. And I’m having my characters attend a uniquely Amish event, a Mud Sale.
If you’ve ever visited Amish country in late winter or early spring, you may have come across a lively outdoor auction, where the sound of an auctioneer’s chant mixes with the clip-clop of horse-drawn buggies. Rows of handcrafted furniture, colorful quilts, farm equipment, and livestock fill the sale grounds, and the smell of fresh-baked goods lingers in the air. Welcome to a mud sale—one of the most unique and cherished traditions in Amish and Mennonite communities.
But what exactly is a mud sale, and why is it such an important part of Amish country life? The origins of mud sales date back to the mid-20th century in Pennsylvania’s Amish and Mennonite communities, particularly in Lancaster County.
In the early 1960s, volunteer fire departments in rural Amish communities were struggling to raise funds. The Amish, who do not use modern firefighting equipment, still rely on their non-Amish neighbors to provide fire protection. Since they don’t pay into government-backed fire services, they support their local volunteer fire companies through donations and fundraising events.
To help fund essential equipment, Amish and Mennonite farmers began donating goods to local fire department auctions. These early sales were held in the late winter and early spring, when farming work was at a seasonal lull. However, since these sales were held on fields that were still thawing from winter, the grounds often turned into a muddy mess—hence the name “mud sale.”
Over time, the auctions grew into major community events, with more and more Amish families donating handcrafted furniture, quilts, livestock, and baked goods. The tradition spread from Pennsylvania to other Amish communities, including those in Ohio, Indiana, and beyond.
Today, mud sales continue to be one of the largest fundraisers for Amish-area volunteer fire companies, keeping this decades-old tradition alive.
While Pennsylvania remains the most famous for mud sales, Ohio’s Amish communities, where my book takes place, hold similar auction-style fundraisers. These sales raise money for:
- Local volunteer fire departments
- Amish schools
- Families in need (such as medical expense fundraisers)
- Community building projects
Many of these Ohio auctions follow the same traditions as the original Lancaster mud sales, offering a mix of livestock, furniture, and handmade goods, along with plenty of delicious Amish home cooking.
If you attend a mud sale, expect a busy, fast-moving auction with a wide variety of goods up for bid, including:
- Handmade Quilts: Each quilt is hand-stitched over the winter months and often takes hundreds of hours to complete. Some are sold for thousands of dollars due to their intricate patterns and craftsmanship. A “Quilt Row” is often set up at the auction, allowing buyers to examine the quilts before bidding.
- Buggies and Tack: Since the Amish rely on horses for daily transportation, mud sales are a prime place to buy and sell buggies, wagons, and harnesses. Some youth purchase their first buggy at a mud sale, making it an important milestone.
- Livestock: Horses, cows, goats, and chickens are common items at auction, helping Amish families stock their farms for the season. Draft horses (used for plowing fields) and saddle horses (used for transportation) fetch some of the highest bids.
- Handmade Furniture and Antiques: Amish furniture is known for its quality and durability. Dining tables, bed frames, cabinets, and rocking chairs are all commonly auctioned. Many buyers come specifically for antiques, as mud sales often include items that have been passed down for generations.
- Farm Equipment and Tools: Amish farmers rely on horse-drawn plows, wagons, and traditional hand tools, many of which are sold at mud sales. While the Amish avoid modern machinery, they do use gas-powered tools, such as generators and small engines, which are often available at the sales.
- Food Stalls and Amish Cooking: Homemade baked goods, such as whoopie pies, cinnamon rolls, fresh breads, and shoofly pies, are always a hit. Many mud sales serve hot meals, including Amish noodles, homemade soups, and barbecued chicken.
If you’re planning to visit a mud sale, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear boots – The ground is almost always muddy, so waterproof footwear is a must!
- Bring cash – Some vendors only accept cash, especially for small purchases.
- Arrive early – The best deals (and best food!) go fast.
- Be ready to bid – Auctions move quickly, and first-time attendees may find the pace exciting but overwhelming.
- Respect Amish customs – The Amish prefer not to be photographed, so avoid taking pictures of people unless you have permission.
Why Mud Sales Matter
At their heart, mud sales are about more than just buying and selling—they reflect the Amish values of hard work, charity, and community support. They also provide an opportunity for Amish and non-Amish neighbors to come together, fostering relationships between the two worlds.
Whether you’re searching for handmade Amish furniture, a farm animal, or just a warm slice of shoofly pie, attending a mud sale is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Here are some firsthand anecdotes and insights from those who have participated in these unique events:
“Beyond the bargains, what struck me was the camaraderie. Locals and visitors alike gathered not just to buy or sell, but to connect, share stories, and enjoy the day together. It felt less like a market and more like a community festival.”
“I went for the quilts but stayed for the food. The homemade pies, soft pretzels, and traditional Amish dishes were irresistible. It’s worth attending just for the culinary experience!”
“From handcrafted furniture to antiques and even livestock, the range of goods was incredible. I left with a beautiful handmade rocking chair and memories of a day well spent.”
These personal accounts highlight the rich tapestry of experiences that mud sales offer, making them a cherished tradition for both locals and visitors alike.
Would you ever visit a mud sale? Have you been to one before? Share your thoughts in the comments to be entered in a drawing for your choice of one of my books!
