Women love to shop, and you can't find a better place to do this than the First Monday Trade Days in Canton. Vendors and shoppers converge here from all over the United States. On nearly 500 acres of grounds holding up to 7,000 vendors, small stands and covered pavillions house everything from produce and antiques to crafts and equipment. It's a shopaholic's Mecca.
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Shabby chic is around every corner at the Trade Days.
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We even spotted a fellow Longview resident, Mike McCarthy, who showed us the creations he makes and sells for garden decor.
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Husband and wife team Charlie and Carolyn Hughes come to First Mondays to sell their recycled metal sculptures.
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"I've heard people say that if you can't find what you're looking for here, then it just doesn't exist," said Linda Hatfield, director of marketing at First Monday. "I believe they're right."
First, a little history: First Monday got its start in the 1850s when the circuit judge visited Canton on the first Monday of each month to conduct business. People of the town soon began showing up on the town square with dogs, guns, produce and other goods to swap and sell. The shopping extravaganza still is called First Monday Trade Days, but today it's held Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month.
"For our vendors, it's like a family reunion every month. They look forward to seeing each other, and they take care of each other like only family members would," Linda said. "For our shoppers, it's an experience like no other."
And, while many may say First Monday is the mother of all flea markets - with knick knacks and hodge podge found under almost every vendor's tent - we found that there's more of an artisan appeal than meets a shopper's eye.
Introducing Artists' Row, a long stretch of vendors who have perfected a certain craft in order to come and sell to the public. The artists and their crafts are varied, such as Carolyn and Charlie Hughes of Chandler, who have been setting up shop at First Mondays for 20 years. Together they piece together recycled metal to create elaborate lawn decor. Peggy Journey and her son, Harlen, of Stamford have been loyal vendors for 23 years, and they produce beautiful stained glass works of art. Then there's a man simply known as Saddle John of Grand Saline who makes benches, horse saddles and more out of equipment like horse shoes and wagon wheels. Oftentimes, you can spot an artisan perfecting their craft as you browse the long rows of handmade pieces.
"It's all about the treasure hunt," Saddle John said. "People come here seeking treasures, and there's lots of treasures to find."
Linda offered up some tips for first time visitors:
- Try to visit on a Thursday since crowds are minimal and selection is best.
- For those who don't want to walk the whole day, there are mobility scooters available for rent at the entrances.
- Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes all the time and clothing appropriate for the season. You'll be taking a LONG walk.
- Leave your kids at home - serious shoppers will find it much easier to browse through items if they can focus on one thing at a time.
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if you go:
Where: Canton, Texas
When: Open Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month.
Directions: From Longview, take I-20 west for about 60 miles. Take exit 526, and head south on FM 859 approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left, and you'll be at the West Gate entrance.
Contact: 903-567-6556
Cost: $4 parking
