Sale Day
Wednesday is the busiest day of the week in Big Valley, drawing thousands of visitors who make the early morning trip for Sale Day.
The main attraction is the Belleville Livestock Auction and Farmer’s Market. Here, a produce auction runs alongside the small animals auction, featuring chickens, geese, rabbits, and other creatures. Then comes the main livestock auction, where calves, cows, goats, sheep, and horses change hands.
Outside the auction barn, the flea market covers the full ten-acre yard. For decades, vendors have claimed spots in their own sheds and buildings and this is where the whole tradition began. Today, it’s packed with all kinds of goods. You can pick up handmade items, bargains both old and new, fresh produce straight from local farms, and plenty of unusual treasures. Think Amish quilts, whoopie pies, tools, clothing, antiques, and odd finds. Vendors often set up before the sun rises, so early birds grab the best deals.
Upstairs in the auction barn, the Hayloft Country Family Restaurant opens its doors on Wednesdays, serving homestyle breakfast and hearty lunches that have drawn crowds for generations. It’s a cool place to sit down on a hot day, and recharge with a hearty meal. Their homemade fruit pies go well with a scoop of hand-dipped ice cream.
Take time to explore the valley. Roadside stands and yard sales pop up along Route 655 and many of the side roads, offering everything from fresh donuts to flags, furniture to hardware. Keep an eye out for farm produce signs pointing to seasonal fruits and vegetables. The area has many unique craft shops and retail spots worth a stop, plus other local restaurants for a bite if you’re still hungry. Plan for a full day of adventure and fun.
Attractions
& Events
YOUTH FAIR
The Mifflin County Youth Fair starts the first Saturday in August. Kids show livestock and projects, catch live music, hop on rides, and eat fair food – all in one weekend.
HARVESTFEST
Held the first full weekend in October at Reedsville’s Youth Park – enjoy live bluegrass, warm cider, artisan and craft vendors, delicious food and kids activities including pony rides. Fall doesn’t get any sweeter.
ANTIQUING/THRIFTING
Big Valley Antiques fills two floors with vintage glass, barn finds, old signs and more. Big Valley Thrift and Gift is a can’t miss: clothes, board games, and dishes. Visit both and something always follows you home.
AUCTIONS
Many schools and organizations of Big Valley fund their operations through public consignment auctions that are well supported and attended by a large portion of the community.
HARVESTFEST
Held the first full weekend in October at Reedsville’s Youth Park – enjoy live bluegrass, warm cider, artisan and craft vendors, delicious food and kids activities including pony rides. Fall doesn’t get any sweeter.
ANTIQUING/THRIFTING
Big Valley Antiques fills two floors with vintage glass, barn finds, old signs and more. Big Valley Thrift and Gift is a can’t miss: clothes, board games, and dishes. Visit both and something always follows you home.
AUCTIONS
Many schools and organizations of Big Valley fund their operations through public consignment auctions that are well supported and attended by a large portion of the community.