One of Clare County’s largest and most distinctive annual events returns this weekend when the Yoder family hosts its late-summer Amish quilt auction, craft show and flea market.
The two-day event will take place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4-5, at the Simon and Barbara Yoder Farm, 10885 N. Leaton Road, Clare. The flea market will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, with auctions scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
Admission is free, while on-site parking will cost $1 per vehicle.
Held each spring and again on Labor Day weekend, Yoder’s market has grown into one of Michigan’s largest Amish craft shows, flea markets and quilt auctions. Thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Clare County for the event.
For two days, fields surrounding the Yoder farm will be transformed into rows of vendor tents, trailers, wagons and food stands. Hundreds of vendors are expected to offer antiques, collectibles, tools, jewelry, cutlery, plants, furniture, household merchandise and traditional flea market finds.
Amish-made products remain among the event’s most popular attractions. Shoppers will find handcrafted furniture, baskets, jams, baked goods, cheese and other products made by members of the local Amish community.
The quilt auction is traditionally the centerpiece of the weekend. Handmade quilts featuring a variety of patterns, colors and stitching techniques will be displayed and sold to bidders. According to information from the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, machine-stitched quilts are not sold through the auction.
The quilts often require months of work and reflect skills handed down through generations of Amish families. The auction provides visitors with an opportunity to purchase a functional piece of traditional craftsmanship while supporting local quiltmakers.
Food is another major part of the weekend. Amish-operated concession stands and specialty tents are expected to offer baked goods, cheese and other homemade items. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, particularly if they hope to purchase popular baked goods before supplies are depleted.
The event also provides an economic boost for Clare and surrounding communities. Visitors frequently stop at local restaurants, gas stations and stores before or after attending the market, bringing thousands of potential customers into the area during the holiday weekend.
Clare County is home to a large Amish population known for farming, woodworking, quilting and other traditional trades. Yoder’s market has become a showcase for that craftsmanship as well as a gathering place for antique dealers, bargain hunters and families looking for a distinctive holiday-weekend outing.
Although commonly associated with Labor Day weekend, the market and auctions will be held Friday and Saturday only. There will be no Sunday sales, and visitors are asked to respect the privacy, religious practices and quiet lifestyle of nearby Amish families outside event hours.
The Yoder family also conducts separate horse, tack and equipment consignment auctions during the spring and fall. The fall horse and equipment event is traditionally held approximately two weeks after the quilt auction and flea market.
Visitors should expect heavy traffic on Leaton Road and other roads approaching the farm, particularly during the morning hours. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because the event covers a large outdoor area. Shoppers may also want to bring cash, as individual vendors may not accept credit or debit cards.
The market will be held at 10885 N. Leaton Road in Clare. Additional information is available from the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce or by calling the Yoder family at 989-386-2872.
Thursday, October 08, 2026
