Having just written about one Canton area business I thought I’d go ahead, take the plunge and discuss another. First Monday Trade Days has definitely made that town world famous for its monthly open air flea market. According to what I’ve read, the market actually began in the eighteen fifties. The timing coincided with the monthly arrival of a circuit riding judge who visited the county once a month. Naturally this became a good opportunity for farmers, craftsmen, Horse traders and livestock salesmen to market their wares. Of course with so large a crowd gathering every month, local dignitaries and politicians found it impossible to resist the opportunity for a stump speech or campaign stop. Nearly every conceivable animal, rifle, pistol, article of jewelry, pet etc. has been traded or sold at Canton over the years. But by far the weirdest story I’ve ever read can be found in the cities histories. In the nineteen forties, two couples (who had become entirely too close by all accounts) decided to trade each other. Yes, that’s correct, they went to the district clerk’s office, and traded spouses! As technology increased and changed the sale grew and grew, so that today half the town is made up of the fairgrounds. I’d wager that the town population doubles for four days, every first weekend of the month
I recall visiting the market with friends and family occasionally as child. The most prized item I purchased there was a “survival knife,” which had my survival actually depended on that finely honed and balanced instrument, I would have lasted about an hour and a half at best. That being said, I can say with some emphasis that this event is not for me! I know I know… If you love wheeling and dealing or consider yourself a modern day horse trader or salesman, you’re probably rolling your eyes at me right now. But I hate to shop. What’s more, I hate to shop in the heat. Don’t misunderstand, I love the outdoors if we’re talking about camping or fishing, but for me, combining shopping with the East Texas summer heat is the stuff of nightmares. Beyond that I hate to shop for things I don’t need, or cannot afford to purchase. Don’t worry, next time I’m in the market for an alpaca to hug, I’ll head for Canton, until then I’ll just hang out… somewhere else.
Ok, all snobbery aside I realize the market really is a good place for farmers and ranchers in particular to buy and sell what they need. And the dollars brought in by First Monday are good for everyone around here, so yes, the monthly event serves a purpose. Nowhere else, can such a large variety of stuff be found gathered in such a small area, all for sale! Have a wonderful time rummaging, just please don’t ask me to go. For those interested in vendor lists of if you just want to read more try the City of Canton’s webpage, www.firstmondaycanton.com. Also try http://shopfirstmondaycanton.com. The next Trade Days weekend is scheduled for Thursday, July twenty ninth, through Sunday, August first.