Canton Trade Days

Canton Trade Days is a monthly flea market that makes the relatively small town of Canton, TX swell to overflowing capacity. Approximately 300,000 enthusiastic bargain hunting guests and 7,000 vendors invade the area once a month. It is considered one of the largest flea markets in the United States.

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If you are looking for a place to find inventory for your flea market or antique business or if you sell on eBay and need to find some great bargains you should make a trip to Canton, TX. The city of Canton holds Canton Trade Days also known as First Monday once a month. Canton's First Monday started back in the 1800's when the visiting judge would come to town the first Monday of each month to hold court. It was the perfect time for people to come and barter, buy and sell items during his visit. Nowadays it isn't held on a Monday but on the weekend before the first Monday. Yes it's odd because if the first Monday is on the 1st of the month Trade Days is actually held at the end of the previous month. It's kind of confusing but their website has a whole slew of information and a printable schedule to make it easier to remember the dates. http://www.cantontradedays.com/

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Canton Trade Days has both buildings and open air spaces so prepare yourself for walking, lots of walking. If you park at the north end of the property and work your way south it is much safer as you won't have to cross any streets. Visitors would be wise to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. In the spring, summer and winter you should layer your clothing. Sunscreen & sunglasses are a must in all seasons, large brim hats for summer and caps & gloves for winter. I strongly sugges to bring something to carry your purchases in. A wagon or some type of cart, perhaps a fanny pack or backpack, even a suitcase on wheels would be beneficial. They do rent wagons but they are $25 a day and I'm to cheap for that, I'd rather buy something for $25 than throw it away because of bad planning.

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Another tip would be to study the map and their website. They have many of their repeat vendors listed on their website and if you know what you prefer to see it will save you lots of time. If you have a special interest they try to set up areas such as a place for antiques and collectibles, a place for crafts, a place for animals, and a place for yard sale type items. It's a good idea to bring lots of cash, many of the vendor now take credit cards and checks but I find that I spend lots of money but in little increments. Stash small amounts of cash to be used to pay for purchases then add to the stash when needed as opposed to pulling a big wad out of your pocket.

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Start your day early, it would be impossible to get through this flea market in one day. If you think you might want to spend a couple of days make reservations before you come. There are food vendors with a big variety of goodies, you sure won't go hungry. There are motels, hotels and bed & breakfast establishments in town. Because of the crowd that comes into the city I strongly advise you to make those reservations well in advance. Canton Trade Days also has a RV Camping area but be sure to make reservations for that as well, I believe the sites run about $25 a night.

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If you want to rent space to be a vendor I strongly advise you to call the office to get all the pertinent information before hand. Between the traffic, the people and being a newbie it can be a nerve racking experience so get as much information as you can possibly get before going.

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For more information about Canton Trade Days visit their website, you can also call or write: Canton Trade Days, PO Box 245, Canton, TX 75103, the phone number is 903-567-6556.

Check out my eBay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/Madison-Place-Flea-Market