First Monday Trade Days in Canton, TX

It’s here!  It’s time for First Monday Trade Days in Canton, TX!

Remember last month when I posted about LaurieAnna’s, my favorite store in Canton? Well this weekend is her “BIGGEST WAREHOUSE SALE EVER” and it’s the first weekend of the month so it’s time for First Monday Trade Days too!

For those who can’t figure out when the First Monday really is (like me one year), let me try and explain.  It is held on the weekend, Thursday – Sunday and NOT open on Monday (weird I know) BEFORE the first OFFICIAL Monday of the month.  Like this month.  The first official Monday is the 7th because last Monday landed on April 30th so it’s this coming weekend the 3rd – 6th.  If that is still confusing, there is a calendar here.

My Tips for First Monday Trade Days in Canton, TX

1. Wear super comfortable shoes.  I know that’s a given due to all the walking but the ground out there is sometimes gravel, sometimes dirt, sometimes pavement, and sometimes mud.  So there you go.

2. Depending on what month you go, I recommend a light sweater in the spring, and/or an umbrella.  In the summer, you’ll wish you were naked so a misting fan would be nice but Canton runs all year round so they could have snow in the winter.  A lot of Canton is covered but where the good stuff (in my total junkaholic opinion) is located, is out in the fields in the back.

3. You’ll want a rolling cart or wagon of some kind to haul your fabulous finds around because you’ll find some fabulous stuff!

4. Most likely your cell phone will not work.  So if you are with a group, designate a time and place to meet back up just in case.

5. Parking is $5.00 a day cash but because Canton is a very large area, you’ll probably have to park far away.  Be careful crossing the street, there are designated areas and I highly recommend using them!

6. There is a free trolley that will take you around to the other lots for First Monday Trade Days.  If you leave your parking spot and take the car, you’ll pay another $5.00 though.

7. Most vendors inside take debit or credit cards but outdoors is hit or miss.  I’d have both cash and cards just in case.  They are accustomed to hagglers though.  Boy I wish I had that gumption.  I’m the girl that says oh, you want $10 for that wrapping paper? Okay.  And the person next to me gets it for $5!  But cash is king when doing that.

8. There are electric scooters for rent in various places.  And you can also purchase those rolling carts I mentioned.  Prices vary.

9. Food!  You can bring whatever food and drink you want (I believe alcohol is prohibited) but they have several great choices for snacks and meals.  Like foot long corny dogs, chili dogs, fried pies, chicken salad sammies, loaded baked potatoes, salads, hamburgers, homemade potato chips, cake, ice cream, cheesecake, cinnamon pecans, just to name a few!  It’s not cheap eats so beware.  Hint:  It’s really crowded during lunch time with not many places to sit.  So if you have one of those canes with a small seat that flips down, bring it.  😉

10. There are nice bathrooms there now.  Back when I first started going, the bathrooms were cement buildings with terrible curtains that you pulled closed for privacy and it wasn’t air-conditioned.  Now it is and there’s someone there to keep the toilet paper stocked.  Woo Hoo!

11. You can bring a friendly dog on a leash but if they leave a mess, you are responsible for the clean up and there are no pet clean up stations around that I’ve seen.

12. I see kids all the time.  They are usually hot, tired and grouchy.  If you can leave them home, I would.  If you bring them, bring the stroller or wagon and keep them covered, hydrated, and happy!

13. If you are there for the weekend, there is a place for RV hookups, a couple of motels and B&B’s.  Hint: They usually  book up a year in advance and it will take at least 2 days to see everything that’s if you are fast, but there’s several stores in town you’ll want to see too.  That’s another day for sure.

Everyone is nice and helpful until you stop in the middle of the walking path and chit chat with no regard for the person behind you.  Then we can get a little crabby.  So move to the side please!  Seriously, ain’t no body got time for that. 

But besides that, we share tables and benches, we share our hand sanitizer, baby wipes and sunscreen and if you see someone in need, you help.  

It’s Texas y’all!

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