I’ve waited ALL SUMMER, and it’s almost here. This Saturday, September 5, the Beaver Run Amish School Auction will take place outside of Washingtonville near the PPL Grounds. I really do wait for this Amish auction all summer  (and I adore summer and wish it would never end) so you know it’s got to be an amazing experience. It’s hosted twice a year – in the late spring and in the early fall. And while its ordered chaos is hard to explain, I’ll give it a shot.

Picture it: 25-30 Amish auctioneers in one place, selling dozens of items at one time, and acres and acres of “stuff” to choose from – including household goods and nursery stock to live animals (peacocks and horses!) to tractors and antiques.

And the food, oh the food. Homemade fruit pies and whoopie pies, hot sausage sandwiches and hamburgers, and the best thing of all: BBQ chicken cooked over an open fire. It’s so good that a line will usually start forming by 9 or 10 am, because really, what’s not to love about BBQ chicken for breakfast AND lunch? I can taste it now – the saltiness, the smokiness – YUM. It’s pure joy.

This time around, I have quite a list of items on my list: mums, trees, outdoor furniture, kitchen items, and maybe an Amish quilt. But the best part is – you never know what you’re going to find. Since it’s a consignment auction, the items change every time the School hosts the auction. In fact, last spring I ended up buying a wooden picnic table and 2 benches for just $6. That was definitely the find of the day. I can’t wait to see what I find this time. One more thing – the auction takes place on the Beaver Run Amish School grounds and benefits the School, so please be respectful.

If you go, it’s easy to find – just get off Interstate 80 at the Danville Exit and follow Route 54 towards Washingtonville/Turbotville. At the intersection of Routes 254 and 54 (there’s a light and Burkholder’s Farm Market is on the left), turn right towards PPL Electric Utilities. Then, turn left onto the first road (PPL Road). Proceed for 1 mile, then just follow the long line of cars…

While you’re there, explore the local area. There’s a lot to see this time of year. Enjoy!