First Monday Trade Days facts for kids

First Monday Trade Days Main Gate

First Monday Trade Days is a huge monthly market in Canton, Texas. It's like a giant outdoor shopping event! Even though it's called "First Monday," the market actually happens on the Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month. Many people believe it's the oldest and biggest flea market in the United States. It's super popular, with up to 100,000 shoppers visiting on a busy weekend!

A Look Back: How It Started

First Monday Trade Days began around the 1850s. Back then, a traveling judge would visit towns on certain days to hold court. People came to Canton on the first Monday of each month for court and to do business. This is how the name "First Monday" came about.

Horses and Early Trading

At first, the event was mainly about horses. A state law said that stray horses found in Van Zandt County had to be brought to Canton. They were then auctioned off. People came from all over to buy or trade horses. This became known as "First Monday Trades Day" or "Horse Monday." Soon, people started bringing their own horses to sell. They also brought extra crops like fresh food and syrup.

A Community Gathering

Over time, First Monday became a big social event. With poor communication back then, people would wait for "First Monday" to visit family and friends. They also made business deals and caught up on local news. During election years, politicians would even campaign there! The event brought more people together than anything else in the county.

Growing Pains and New Rules

As Canton grew, so did the crowds at First Monday. People traded right on the streets. The townspeople didn't like the mess and noise. They tried to stop street trading, but it was too hard to control the huge crowds. They hoped the custom would just fade away, but it didn't!

From Horses to Hogs and Dogs

In the 1930s, when horses became less important, many thought First Monday would end. But then, horse traders from other states started bringing horses to sell. The market kept growing! In the 1940s, as tractors replaced horses, hog trading became popular. Buyers came from Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas for these healthy pigs.

Dogs also became a big part of the market. Farmers brought stray dogs, and then hunters brought their hound dogs. Soon, Canton was full of dogs, some selling for a lot of money! First Monday became known as "Dog Monday" to dog lovers.

The City Steps In

By 1950, about 5,000 people were coming to the market. Space became a big problem. Some homeowners started renting out their yards for trading. People even rented out their bathrooms! Traders began arriving on Sunday to get the best spots. This caused issues, especially with churches complaining about the Sunday activity. There were also sanitation problems, as visitors had to stay overnight in their cars. The city realized it needed a police force to manage the crowds.

In the early 1960s, a health concern related to dogs led to new rules. The city passed an ordinance against dogs. But this didn't stop the market! Someone bought 3 acres (12,000 m²) of land and created a special area for dog trading. The city then required dogs to be vaccinated and kept on leashes.

The dog trade, and the rest of the market, continued to grow. By this time, First Monday had become nationally famous. It was featured in magazines like Life and Look. In 1965, the City of Canton decided to take action. They partnered with others to buy land north of the town square. This land was set up as a trading area with rented spaces. This was a new start for the old tradition. Over time, the city bought more land. Today, the City of Canton owns over 100 acres (0.4 km²) for the market, which can hold over 3,000 sellers!

First Monday Today

Today, First Monday Trade Days covers over 100 acres (0.4 km²) and has space for 6,000 vendors. There are many different buildings and areas, each with its own name. Some popular spots include the Original Pavilions, Canton Marketplace, and The Dog Alley. There's also an area next to the city-run facility called 'the Lewis side'.

Shopping Areas

The buildings, called pavilions, are home to the more regular vendors. These sellers often have reserved their spots for the whole year. You'll find new crafts and products, often with a country or western style. These areas are popular for shoppers looking for reliable sellers. Prices might be a bit higher here, but you can still try to bargain!

The Canton Marketplace is the first building you'll see when entering from Highway 19. It's an indoor, air-conditioned pavilion with over 300 regular vendors. This area often has slightly fancier items and a food court. You can still find great deals on unique things here. Sometimes, you might even catch free concerts! This pavilion also has the best restrooms and a winery where you can taste test. They offer convenient parking and a free trolley to other market areas.

Finding Treasures

The "unreserved" areas are often the most exciting. These spots are "first-come-first-served" for vendors. It feels a bit like a giant garage sale, but with lots of collectibles. You can find all sorts of old items, but also bargains on things like computer supplies, tools, garden art, and toys. You never know what amazing find you might stumble upon!

Food and Fun

Just like the items for sale, the food at First Monday is plentiful and varied. While much of it is delicious "junk food," you can find healthier options too. Popular treats include cheesecake sundaes, fresh lemonade, smoked turkey legs, and funnel cakes. You can also find sausage on a stick, corny dogs, and kettle corn. Many people enjoy the wonderful homemade breakfasts. You can snack as you walk or sit down for a full meal. Prices are a bit more than typical fast food, but still reasonable.

Getting Around

Despite its large size, First Monday is easy to get around for people with disabilities. You can even rent a scooter to explore the market easily. Just remember that very hot weather can make it harder to get around.

Because of the money the city earns from the market, Canton residents didn't have to pay a city property tax until 2006! Many local farms have also found new ways to make money. Some have turned their land into parking lots for the event. They now earn more from parking cars for four days than they ever did from farming! Parking usually costs about $4 per car.

Helpful Tips for Visitors

• Try to visit on a Thursday or Friday. The crowds are smaller, and you'll find the best selection.
• Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to visit.
• If you see something you love, buy it! It might not be there if you come back later. It's easy to get lost in the market.
• Plan at least five hours to quickly walk through the area. Serious shoppers might need eight hours to three days to see everything!
• Don't be afraid to bargain with vendors. You never know who might give you a better price.
• Bring a magnifying glass and a small magnet. They can help you check the condition of items and tell if something is real metal.
• Always wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for the weather. Wear sunscreen almost all year round.
• Be careful if you're buying an expensive collectible you don't know much about. Fakes and overpriced items can exist.
• Remember where you park! Even small purchases can feel heavy after carrying them for a long time. You'll want to drop your items off in your car.

Recent Events

On May 2, 2008, a tornado hit Canton and First Monday Trade Days. It damaged signs, vendor goods, and trees. In March 2020, for the first time in its history, First Monday Trade Days was canceled for April due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Notoriety

First Monday Trade Days was featured in a PBS documentary called A Flea Market Documentary.