Treasure Hunting at Texas' First Monday Trade Days
First Monday Trade Days began as a local horse and produce trade event more than 150 years ago, but has now developed into a shopper's paradise spanning 100 acres. More than 6,000 vendors offer everything from home furnishings and antique collectibles to crafts and jewelry. The flea market takes place the Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month in Canton, Texas, 60 miles east of Dallas off Interstate 20. It's one of the largest flea markets in the United States, and it's impossible to see it all in a day. Book lodging early at one of the local bed-and-breakfasts to cover the 28 miles over a few days.
Due to the hot Texas summers, the busiest times are the spring and fall. The first weekend of October this year proved to be ideal, with perfect weather. Take a look at some highlights from my visit then and consider making a trip to Canton to do your own treasure hunting. The next dates are October 31 to November 3, 2013.
First Monday Trade Days
Where: 800 Flea Market Rd., Canton, Texas
When: Thursday through Sunday preceding the first Monday of each month, sunup to sundown, rain or shine.
More info
Vendors come from around the country to sell their goods to more than 100,000 attendees monthly. Items range from vintage treasures like industrial signage to custom furniture.
You can find reclaimed signs and metal letters in all shapes and sizes to spell out a favorite word, or just use one to represent the first initial of a family name.
Tip: Bring cash. Indoor vendors may take checks or credit cards, but many of the outdoor and smaller vendors accept only cash. ATMs can be found throughout the grounds.
The Girls Gone Junkin' booth offers a mix of distressed furniture and decor, rusty metal objects, vintage lace and dress forms.
The ladies of Girls Gone Junkin', shown here, see repeat Trade Days customers each month. "My goal is that everyone who walks in our booth finds something affordable for all pocketbooks," says owner Cathy Guess (center).
The creative team comes together at the booth from different areas of Texas to sell their wares. Silver plates, old windows and vintage flatware transformed into jewelry were popular items when I was there.
This secondhand market is for the shopper who enjoys the browsing experience and taking in all of the options while searching for that special conversation piece, like an old street sign.
Many market attendees are bargain hunting for household items, but there's also livestock, produce and restaurants serving local dishes.
Row 46 (Paul Michael Building) has some of the most popular indoor shops at the market. These reserved areas act as storefronts and even permanent residences for some vendors.
Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Rental scooters and shopping carts are available onsite. Peak attendance is on the weekends, so attend on Thursday if you want to avoid the crowds.
You will find plenty of options for refinished furniture. The hardest decision will be which pieces to choose. Birdies Antiques offers painted French provincial furniture that's perfect for enthusiasts of Shabby Chic style.
Tip: Vendors issue gate passes to allow customers to drive a vehicle into the park to load furniture or other heavy items.
Rows of salvaged doors and windows line the outdoor areas.
Photographers Casey Kazmann (left) and Ashley Lansford (right) bought these window frames for $10 each.
"I came to find new props for my portrait sessions that could also double as decor in my home," says Kazmann. "This window frame was at the top of my list. I can tie initials and numbers on for photo shoots, or attach a few photos with clothespins for wall art."
Metal knickknacks and wrought iron hardware fill rows of metal tins at vendor Don Jones, Row 23, Lot 1441.
These painted ceiling medallions were priced at $20.
Indoor pavilions showcase furnishings from local dealers, like Sanvig Sawmill. Owners Gary and Sally Sanvig create unique furnishings such as hanging benches, fireplace mantels and this floating daybed. The custom bed is hand crafted from cypress wood and supported by climbing rope.
A coffee table fabricated from a single slab of cypress wood is sealed with a glossy finish and stainless steel legs. This showstopper was at the entrance of the Sanvig Sawmill shop in the Boardwalk II Building.
If you see an item you love, buy it. You may not be able to locate the item later. And be sure to collect business cards from your favorite vendors, as most of them sell online between Trade Days markets.
The unreserved areas on the outskirts of the market are sometimes the most interesting. In these garage-sale-style areas, you can find vendors with just about anything. My favorite find of the day was this pair of unique outdoor chairs painted turquoise. They wouldn't fit in my vehicle, though, and I had to leave empty-handed. Next time I'll come prepared with a bigger car.
Your turn: Have you been to First Monday Trade Days? Share some of your finds and shopping tips below.
More:
Treaure Hunting at the Brimfield Antiques Fair
A Beginner's Mini Guide to Buying Antiques
