At first glance this quaint town in East Texas may not seem like much. With a population just over 4,000 there’s not a whole lot of activity going on. However, during the first weekend of every month beginning 150 years ago, those looking for food to stock up on, goods to trade or to even purchase an animal or two, this was the place to be. For those out of the loop…Canton, Texas bills itself as the home to the “World’s Largest Flea Market!”
IT ALL BEGAN … in the 1850′s when the circuit judge stopped in Canton on the FIRST MONDAY of each month. This was the day the Judge held court. People from the area came to town on that day to conduct their business, stock their pantries and sit in on court proceedings … and watch a few “hangings”. History relates one incident where a man was hung for stealing his partner’s wagon of goods for trading. He is buried facing south (not east) in Hillcrest Cemetery by the First Monday grounds.
Quite naturally, many also brought their own goods, produce and livestock with them to sell or trade. This took place just off the west side of the courthouse square. Most history versions include the trading of wild horses, which were rounded up in the region and brought to Canton to sell.
By 1965, FIRST MONDAY had outgrown the Town Square, It was then that the City of Canton purchased six acres just two blocks north of the courthouse. FIRST MONDAY was moved off the square.
Originally, FIRST MONDAY only “happened” on the first Monday of each month. However, if you take a look NOW at the calendar, you will note that Monday has been excluded.
Even though the event goes from Thursday – Sunday, the name is now and will forever be known as: FIRST MONDAY TRADE DAYS.
Something for Everyone!
Oh yeah, you got that right! This place has a little bit of everything. Handmade crafts, garage sale finds, farmhouse decor, apparel for everyone, and delicious food everywhere! I happen to gravitate toward the 100% Angus burgers and a fried apple pie when we’re in town. New and used items stretched out over 400 acres with 5000 vendors ready to make you a deal. Better bring your walking shoes or if you like you can rent a scooter to get around. Either way, good luck trying to see it all in one day or over an entire weekend for that matter.
How Did We Find This Place Called Canton?
When you are lucky enough to travel around like we have you’re bound to stumble upon hidden gems like this. Well, maybe its not so hidden to those within a 100 mile radius but it’s certainly new to those of us originally from out of state.
One of the main factors that allowed us to live a life on the road was having a mobile income. Specifically Michelle’s mobile income. Since 2018 my wife has been selling a Revolutionary Product that has changed the lives of countless women across the country!
Well, okay maybe I’m over reacting a little bit when I say that but it is still pretty cool how it works. Millions of ladies out there have changed the way they glam up their fingertips with a little thing called Color Street.
100% dry nail polish strips that go on dry with no smudging or mess. From an outsiders perspective I found it to be pretty impressive. I wish I would have thought of it because with the success that Color Street has seen since its inception in 2017 I probably would be a boat owner by now. An owner of a pretty nice boat. Maybe not 150 foot yacht type of boat but a comfortable cruising boat. At least a pontoon boat…but I digress.
Direct sales wasn’t something that was on our radar and I’ve always been wary of “that type of business” but we had a plan to hit the road. So after giving it some thought we felt that it kinda fit that lifestyle. Running a business from a trailer with a smart phone or laptop and hit up some vendor events around the country? Let’s do it!
“Have You Heard Of Canton?”
This vendors dream was suggested by my former employer and his wife while we were traveling around the Lone Star State. Texas natives Jim and Carolyn were no strangers to this shoppers paradise. They had given us the suggestion of checking it out and that it was perhaps a good place to set up shop and sell Michelle’s Color Street stock.
So, was it good for business? Yes, yes it was.
Setting up a booth at Canton First Monday was an overall great success. It was only one weekend (or Thursday through Sunday) a month but it certainly brought the crowds. Thousands of shoppers descended upon this sacred ground every month, we just wanted a fraction of them to stop by and check out the selection of instant manicures.
Michelle managed to grow her business not only with in person sales and online customer sales but also with the ladies she met that wanted to join her team of stylists. This was partially thanks to First Monday in Canton.
When Michelle first started this new venture it was pretty slow going but when it took off, it was good, very good. We managed to not only continue this life of travel that we desired but we also managed to sock some money away for our future home. After all we knew we probably wouldn’t be living within 250 square feet forever, especially with kids in tow.
Plan A Visit
Hop in that RV, hook up the trailer or just get in the car and see where it takes you and if you ever find yourself in East Texas, look for Canton. Be sure to stay for the weekend, find some good deals, grab a bite and soak it up. You will have a blast!