Since the first mention of this sale, it has been nothing but positive vibes.   This sale was originally to be held at a local stock barn and renovation caused the location to be changed.  What a blessing that little bump in the road brought to this sale.

The Stephen Stoltzfus Family opened their beautiful farm for the First Annual Centre Hall Mule Sale.  Whether friend, foe or family all was welcome with a handshake and friendly smile.

The barn was splendid!  The heritage of the barn was strong in character and exhibited proudly in the main structure from the handcrafted beams to the layout. 

To prepare the facility, new concrete hallways were poured and stalls restructured to hold these nosey, large, sometimes destructive gentle giants, we call mules.  Every detail was simply perfect.  The temperature bounced around zero to low twenties for days prior to the sale.   Inside this barn was warm and pleasant. 

The ladies made sure there was plenty of warm food for everyone had the opportunity for warm meals and hot coffee throughout the event.

Wilmer Stoltzfus was the sale manager for this new adventure; but he did not stand alone.  Family and friends were with him all the way in preparing for sale day. 

Dixie Longears was honored to be apart of getting another mule sale off the ground and running. Promoting a sale is easy when it brings an important purpose in the package.   This sale was really special for two reason: first, the community could really benefit from the sale; second, the proceeds of this sale would go to help a local family in building a new home.

Now it was Dixie Longears’ time to shine.  They needed mules and buyers to make the sale successful.  Wilmer begin contacting potential consignors for mules.  Dixie Longears followed up explaining the need for this event to be a success.   

Everything fell into place the day before the sale as the barn filled with mostly three and four year old mules of great quality.  The morning of the sale the second phase took place, the local farmers and bidders came early on sale day to look at the consignments and pick a favorite. 

Now the pressure was on the Auction Box, spotters and stock handlers, it was show time!

Elvin Stoltzfus, of All Star Auctions, had been hands on for the previous couple of days.  As he took the microphone and welcomed everyone, the excitement filled the air.  Elvin proudly introduced a familiar name and voice that would assist with the sale, Jonathan Hoover, of Hoover Auctions and Hoover Mules, of Kentucky. 

After warming up the crowd, Elvin Stoltzfus called upon the handers to bring in a very special pair of mules.   This outstanding team was anonymously donated to the King Family for auction at this sale.  Every penny from this pair of mules would go to the family. 

You see, this was not an ordinary pair of mules.  The team had recently been purchased at another local sale with the price tag of around $20,000.  Bidders knew the worth of the team and did not stop until the bid reached around the same figure.  This set the tone for the sale and the excitement held throughout.

Before sharing stats, a personal thank you to Epperson Mules, Omar Smoker, Kelso Mules, Samuel Stoltzfus, John Stoltzfus, Redmon Mules, Bilbrey & Robbins, Amos Beiler, John Beiler, Elam Stoltzfus, Jacob Slick, Ivan Glick, Chris Beiler, Samuel Swarey, Jacob Stoltzfus and our Secret Consignor.  Thank you for putting your faith in this sale by consigning.

51% of the sale was 3-year-olds averaging $6030

13% of the sale was 4-year-olds averaging $9850

The top five averaged near $10,140 each

The overall average of this sale was around $6300

There will be a comparison of the sales Dixie follows in a few days.  The three-year-olds were off a little off from other local sales.  The four-year-olds out-averaged other sales by $1000 to $3000 dollars.  The top five average was right in the area of other sales.

What made the difference at this sale on prices?  From simple observation, the buyers are this sale leaned toward mules that had thirty to sixty days handling on them.  Every sale is different on what buyers are seeking.

The strength of the sale is in the community.  When a sale is arranged, it has to benefit both buyers and consignors to be productive and successful. 

From spending time with this sale, personal observation would be this community will support a annual sale.  Consignors wanting to help should consider bringing mules that have been handled some to this sale,  Personally, I would hold this location as it offered so much to the event.  When consignment opens up in the future, call early and secure your spot.  I see this sale becoming a specialty sale with no more than 75 head of three to six year olds, many having already been handled a little. 

Everyone in attendance was important; however, there are a few people I personally thank for attending this sale.  I am a firm believer in supporting the youth in the mule industry.  Before mentioning your names, I already know each are thinking you did nothing.  Your presence spoke confidence for the young men and women who stepped out of their comfort zone to pull this event together.   Amos Beiler, Ivan Stoltzfus, Dan King and Jonas King, are each very appreciated for the leadship and confidence you give younger people wishing to find their way in the industry.

Online Subscribers, more photos will be posted of the sale in Sweetfeed!