First Monday Trade Days - Trade Days Today

Trade Days Today

First Monday Trade Days currently operates over 100 acres (0.4 km2) and provides places for 6,000 vendors. There are various buildings and areas, each designated by name, among them the Original Pavilions, Old Mill Marketplace, The Village, The Mountain, The Arbors and The Dog Alley. There is also an area adjacent to the First Monday Trade Days facility (the one operated by the city) known as 'the Lewis side'. In 2009 Henry Lewis, owner of 'the Lewis side' purchased the Arbors.

The buildings, known as pavilions, house the more established and regular vendors. They are full of the "regulars" who have reserved these spaces year 'round.Most feature new crafts or products with a decidedly country or western feel. They are popular with shoppers looking for dependability and the modestly higher prices that go along with it. Most vendors in these areas are unwilling to come down much on their prices, but bartering is always welcome.

The "unreserved" areas of the market are by far the most interesting and most likely to produce an unexpected treasure. It is "first-come-first-served" in these areas and the vendors who arrive early get the choice shady spots. Anything and everything can be found and there is a definite garage sale feel but with a general nod toward collectibles. The majority of items are old but bargains can be found in current categories such as computer and office supplies, tools, yard art and furniture, and even toys. You never know what you'll find in these sections and valuable items can still be found. This is becoming a bit harder than it used to be because of the advent of eBay and the general increase in knowledge of collectors and sellers.

Just like the material items for sale, food is also abundant and varied. Quality is generally very good but most is on the unhealthy junk food side of the menu. This doesn't mean that one can't eat healthy. There are options available but everyone tends to go with the "I only come once a year" mentality. Canton favorites include fresh-squeezed lemonade, smoked turkey legs, funnel cakes (pancakey batter drizzled into hot oil through a funnel and covered in powdered sugar), sausage on a stick, corny dogs, kettle corn (mildly sweet popcorn), and wonderful homemade breakfasts. You can snack your way through or sit down to a complete meal. Prices are higher than typical fast food but not unreasonably so.

Despite the large size of the facility, people with disabilities will find easy access, and can even rent a scooter to get around the market area with ease. Be aware however that extremely hot weather can make a big difference in ability to get around.

Because of the income the city receives from operating the facility, until 2006 a city property tax was not required from Canton's residents.

Many residents have also turned struggling farms into support businesses. One such farm located across the main highway turned its land into parking spaces. They now make more from charging cars to park on their lot for the 4 days of the event than they ever did from farming the same land. By the way, parking as of early 2007 is $4/car almost everywhere. No free parking on city streets is available.

Some advice for new visitors:

• Try to visit on a Thursday or Friday since crowds are slightly lower and selection is best.
• Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to visit.
• If you see it and love it, buy it. Don't take the chance on it being there when you return. Being new, you may not find the same booth again. It is easy to get turned around.
• Plan at least 5 hours to make even a cursory "run-through" of the area. Serious shoppers will need 8 hours to 3 days to cover the entire grounds.
• Bargain with the vendors. Even in the more established sections you can never tell who will say yes.
• Take a magnifier and small magnet. They'll come in handy for examining condition and identifying "brass" or "bronze" that is really steel.
• Wear comfortable shoes all the time and clothing appropriate for the season. Almost year 'round—wear sunscreen.
• If you don't know about an expensive collectible, be wary. Fakes and overpricing exist but knowing something about the item can prevent a bad purchase.
• Remember where you park. Even small purchases get heavy when carried over time and distance. You'll want to drop items off in the trunk.

On Friday, May 2, 2008, Canton and First Monday Trade Days were hit by a tornado, that damaged signs, chimneys, vendor's goods, and uprooted several large trees.