First Monday Finds

Tales and Treasures from Canton's First Monday Trade Days. by Christy W. I’m so thrilled to be guest posting on Deep South! I’ve lived in the South all my life, slowly but surely shopping my way through some of its fabulous venues. Most recently, a friend and I made a girls' weekend trip to First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas. Canton is about one hour east of Dallas, tucked away right off I-20. The world's largest outdoor trade days takes place Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month. According to Canton's First Monday website, "what started more than a century ago as a flea market has become home to some of the most exciting, cutting-edge home furnishings, antiques and collectibles that can be found anywhere." The original First Monday Trade Days got their start in the 1850s when the circuit judge stopped in Canton on the first Monday of each month to hold court. People from all over Van Zandt County and beyond came out to watch, many bringing their own goods, like farm equipment and livestock, to sell or trade. As a result, Canton earned a reputation statewide as the best place to buy a horse. One hundred and fifty