Spring is just a few days away and that of course means that folks will be once again enjoying the beautiful outdoors of our great country and day trips will again be the rule rather than the exception. The place I am going to write about today is a place I have been to many times, especially as a kid. Mom, Dad and my sisters and me would all pile into the Family Hoopty and head east in I-20 to Canton and the First Monday Trade Days! If you've never been to First Monday or if it's been a while since your last visit, this is definitely something you'll want to do a few times this spring and summer. From those who have never experienced First Monday, I am hearing a question being shouted in unison, "What the hell is First Monday Trade Days?". The short answer is First Monday is a flea market. A real BIG flea market. If it can be bought or sold, chances are you'll find it at First Monday. There's acre after acre of merchandise on display. Here's a quick look at First Monday from their website.
The history of First Monday gives us a little more insight as to why it has been around for over 150 years!
"In the 1850s when the circuit judge stopped in Canton on the first Monday of each month to hold court, people from across Van Zandt and surrounding counties came to the Courthouse square to watch court proceedings and take care of business. Many brought their own goods to sell or trade, including produce, farm equipment and livestock. It was common to see wild horses, which were rounded up in the region, for sale on Trade Day. Canton's First Monday earned a statewide reputation as the best place to buy a good horse." I never knew that until a few minutes ago and I think that it's pretty cool. There's a lot more First Monday history as well as info on being a vendor, places to park an RV and so on, so be sure to check it out. While you're on their website, click on all the links they provide and you'll find out about the food, fun things and other stuff that First Monday in Canton has to offer you!
