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Author: Sam Adams Article source: http://www.articledeshboard.com/. Used with author's permission.
Throughout the USA there are many flea markets and monthly trade days, but just like the old saying goes "Everything's Bigger in Texas" and each month Canton, Texas proves that to the world. Canton is located in the northern part of East Texas in Van Zandt county and is home to about 5100 people, but one weekend every month this peaceful, friendly little East Texas town transforms into the biggest open air trade days event in the world.
This monthly gathering, known as First Monday Trade Days, takes place on the first weekend of each month. This event will bring approximately 300,000 shoppers and more than 7,000 vendors into this little East Texas town. Located about 45 minutes east of Dallas it's easy to see why so many people love to make the trip every month to Canton and take advantage of some of the great deals on new and used furniture, household items, arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, collectibles of all type, small animals, and much more. Vendors travel from all over the country to sale their wares at what is widely believed to be the largest flea market in the world.
It all started over 150 years ago when the circuit judge would stop in Canton on the first Monday of each month. Being the only day that the judge would hold court, people would travel from all parts of the area to take care of their business, watch court proceedings, and maybe even catch a hanging. For many this was the only time they could see friends and family, find out what was going on in the news, and purchase the goods and supplies they needed. Many people would bring livestock, crops, handmade crafts, and produce to sell or trade. As the territory grew so did the number of people coming to Canton to peddle their products. Over the years people started to organize the event and plan for visitors to come into town, and a tradition had begun. By 1965, First Monday (as it had come to be known) had grown larger than the town square could handle and it was at that time that the City of Canton decided to purchased six acres just north of the courthouse.
Today the First Monday Trade Days is made up of several different complexes all tied together to make up one massive flea market. The area is so large that there is a free shuttle bus service that will take you from one part of the flea market to another. One of the more popular complex is the "Old Mill Marketplace". Consisting of two areas, The Villages and The Pavilions combine for more than 1200 vendor spaces, this is a market that you must visit when in Canton Texas. Right next to the Old Mill Marketplace is an area many call "The Best Kept Secret In East Texas" also known as The Mountain. As the name would imply this hillside village is locate on the highest part of First Monday Trade Days and is the only area open after dark. The Mountain is home to some of the higher end shops and restaurants. You will find many hand-crafted items including handmade string instruments like guitars, banjos, dulcimers, and more. You can find vintage clothing as well as high quality antique furniture. After a long day of shopping The Mountain can be your home away from home with its many Bed and Breakfasts. When it comes to eating, this area has some of the finest sit down dining you could want in a uniquely romantic atmosphere overlooking the small East Texas town of Canton.
So, make the time to get away and experience this uniquely wonderful atmosphere and take advantage of the outstanding bargains you will find. If you are planning to stay at one of the many bed and breakfast locations on The Mountain it is recommended that you call ahead and make your reservations far in advance. And of course, if you have something to sale, then the First Monday Trade Days is a great place to set up shop one weekend a month in any of the vendor spaces available. Whatever your reason for visiting Canton, Texas one thing is for sure you will go home with a smile on your face and an experience you will share with friends and family for many years to come.
For more information about Great Places to visit throughout East Texas go to www.EastTexasLive.com and TexasLifestyles Blog
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