Canton First Monday Trade Days – The World’s Largest Flea Market

If you can’t find it here, it probably doesn’t exist. Or at least that’s what I told David on our recent visit to “First Monday” in Canton, Texas, billed as the “World’s Largest Flea Market.” Is that true? I have no idea, but they said it, and it IS huge so we’ll go with it.

First Monday Trade Days began as a local event for trading and shopping. The first Monday of each month was chosen because that was when the judge came through town to hold court. So the flea market was also held at the town square, apparently so people could watch the court proceedings and then head out to shop or trade.

The first thing to be very clear about is that the First Monday Trade Days DOES NOT occur on the first Monday of the month now. It used to, but now it falls on the Thursday through Sunday the weekend BEFORE the first Monday of each month. I imagine simply because they needed more time, and holding it on the weekend allows more people to attend.

The event happens every month, year-round, and is celebrating 150 years this year. The easiest thing to do is to check the calendar to be sure of the dates for each month.

In the mid-1960’s the event outgrew the space around the town square, so the city bought six acres just a couple of blocks away. They obviously needed that much space because those six acres are filled nicely with tons of vendors. Some vendors are located outdoors, some are indoors, some have new items, some have older items, some have crafts, some have food, and some have various supplies. Basically, there is something for everyone – literally even the kitchen sink!

Maybe you need some other project ideas.

You’ll find everything you can think of – including the kitchen sink!

There are also several parking lots available and the day we went there was plenty of parking but we were warned that on Saturdays parking can be difficult.

But no worries, Canton has planned for that. There are several shuttles around that can pick you up at your lodging, depending on where you are staying. There are plenty of places to spend the night or weekend in Canton, from RV spots to regular hotels to cute themed lodging. Check them all out here.

If it’s difficult for you to walk all over the acreage there are scooter rentals right there on the property.

Rent a scooter if you don’t want to walk all over 6 acres!

Or if you don’t need or want a scooter but could use help carrying your precious finds around, you can also rent a wheeled cart to haul everything.

But what if you are interested in being a vendor, a way to earn a little money on your travels? Go ahead and apply! The rates are extremely reasonable!

So how did we do at First Monday? We weren’t really looking for anything in particular. David saw lots of items for some projects he’s been thinking about, we got some snacks, and drooled over some things we knew we didn’t need. We ended up buying a “Stereo Viewer” with some cards just because it was old and cool, as well as a couple of barbed wire displays. Yes, a little weird, but if you can’t find an oddity at a flea market, is there really even a reason to go?

Our barbed wire displays and Stereo Viewer with cards.

Canton First Monday Trade Days – While it no longer happens on Monday, the name will never change, retaining the historic beginnings of the event that has become the largest flea market in the world.

You’ll find First Monday Trade Days located at 800 First Monday Lane, Canton TX 75103. Enjoy!