Thursday through Sunday before first Monday of each monthThe First Monday Trade Days are a colossal trading bazaar that each month brings 100,000 to 300,000 people to the small town of Canton, Tex. (population 2,800). This legendary affair in northern Texas has its origins in the 1850s when the circuit court judge came to Canton on the first Monday of the month to conduct court proceedings. Farmers from the area would gather to sell or trade horses, hunting hounds, and other dogs, conduct other business in town, and watch the occasional hanging. The judge no longer holds court in Canton, but the trading event continues.
Now the flea market starts on a Thursday, runs through the weekend, and offers merchandise and food at more than 3,000 exhibition stalls.
Scottsboro, Ala., also has well-known First Monday Trade Days attended by thousands, and this custom is observed in most southern states. Commonly, the markets are held on the streets surrounding the county courthouse. Fiddling and storytelling are often part of the day's activities. The name for the event differs; in some places, it's Court Day . In Abingdon, Va., it's Jockey Day because of the horse races held along with the trading.
CONTACTS:
First Monday Trade Days
P.O. Box 245
Canton, TX 75103
903-567-6556; fax: 903-567-2923
www.firstmondaycanton.com