First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

Van City Council meets on proposed pit bull ban - KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |

2010-12-09T22:41:00.000-06:00

Van City Council meets on proposed pit bull ban - KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |

Van city council tables vote on pit bull ban - CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News -

2010-12-09T22:40:00.000-06:00

Van city council tables vote on pit bull ban - CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - 

Taking Back America Video

2010-05-16T14:07:00.004-05:00

Taking Back America

Social Media & the youth of today

2009-07-04T05:15:00.002-05:00

I wrote this response to an article by Pat Gleason, a teacher at Red Bluff High School in Los Angeles. He has been a teacher there since 1990. You can see his article and comments from others including my response at: http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/opinion/ci_12748230

Hello,
A very good article but limited in its perspective. I just wanted to present a few contrasts to the things you have mentioned here. First and foremost, most people who use the social networking tools online that list friends do not actually consider most of these people friends. Contacts would be a much clearer label. We all make contacts daily whether with friends, family, coworkers, service personal at local establishments, even strangers on the street at times.

Cell or mobile phones are a great tool for those who have a need to be reached in a hurry. They are also a priceless tool in an emergency situation. I believe all persons who can should have and carry a cell phone. In your situation as a teacher you may not feel the need for an instant communication device. I would bet that if you spoke with your family they would all say they would feel more comfortable and more secure if they had the ability to reach you instantly in an emergency.

I agree being 49 years old we do not consider ourselves old school. It is not our age that makes us old school rather it is our attitudes. So yes we can be considered old school in our outlook on life, technology or change.

The one absolute constant in life, communication and society is change. While many of us will disagree with much of that change in our lifetimes it is inevitable. The shortening of words, names and phrases has been going on for centuries. It is another aspect of change that is and will be. If we were to travel back to 1776 and talk with many people we would also have a hard time understanding them just as would be the case if we went forward in time 250 years.

The generational differences in slang and word usage are also part of the issue here. There are many terms today that are used inconsistently with past meanings or usage. This again is part of the natural evolution of communication through the years and generations. However the texting phenomenon has added a new wrinkle. The acronyms or abbreviations used in texting can totally baffle someone without any experience in communicating in a instant message environment. But just as hair styles and clothing styles are used to set apart one generation from another so can forms and types of communication.

I totally agree with you on two issues here today. First, eye contact is something to watch for in others. However I have always found those who do not make eye contact when speaking to a person do it for a variety of reasons none of which have to do with texting, instant or internet communications.

Second, friends are those close to you, those you interact with personally and those you choose to have in your life. Yet how did you meet those and become friends? Today's social media sites allow many to meet who never would have without the advances in technology and communication. It gives us all a means to possibly meet new friends though most will just stay contacts.

I think the bigger issue here is the value placed on friendship. Many of our young people do understand the value of a true friend, both being one and having one. Yet sadly so many do not and have no experience to use to judge whether a friendship is true or not. Many have neither role models to watch nor examples to use in developing their values. This slack of human interaction at home and lack of meaningful interaction outside the home has helped to lead to a large group of our youth being unable to feel secure about who hey are and this leads to isolation and withdrawal. Yet to try to assign the blame for this on cell phones, the internet, video games etc. is simply trying to blame the condition on the symptoms. Many youth play video games, text friends, surf the web, social network and understand the difference between friends and contacts. It is not the tools and toys we use that are a problem. It is the way some use them and the reasons they use them that make it a problem for them.

So yes you are still a sane, logical, level-headed individual and yet at the same time it does seem that you are also out of the loop regarding certain things. This only makes you as human as the rest of us since we are all out of the loop on certain things. One answer may be to try to teach the youth about friendship and values not try to rationalize the issue through statements such as it is only the bad kids or the ones who did not like me saying this.

2009-06-22T02:22:00.001-05:00

Support a Free Iran - Remember NEDA!

Tornado Visits First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

2008-05-04T22:55:00.006-05:00

Twister Skips across First Monday Trade Days Grounds
Friday Morning about 8:15AM CST May 2nd 2008

Friday morning just after the Vendors had opened up and the crowds started arriving a Tornado decided to visit First Monday Trade Days In what appears to be a very fortunate set of circumstances, First Monday Trade Days and all the people there were spared the wrath of mother nature for the most part.
The May event is one of the busiest of the year for the Canton Trade Days, bringing in as many as 7,000 to 7,500 Vendors and upwards of 300,000 to 400,000 Visitors some years. This year it also brought a sudden and unexpected visitor in the form of a springtime Texas Twister. The Tornado touched down in two areas of the Trade Days Park luckily missing the main shopping areas and sparing the crowds and structures for the most part.
The Tornado first touched down in a parking area on the southwest side of the grounds. Snapping trees and telephone poles as well as trapping one person in their vehicle under a tree. The vehicles occupant was freed shortly after the Tornado moved on.
Thankfully the Tornado then lifted back up into the air instead of traveling on the ground through the park. It hopped across the main Pavilions and shopping areas where most vendors and visitors had gathered to get out of the rain from the sudden Thunderstorm. We very grateful that the storm decided to skip over these areas. This could have been a tragic day yet has instead left us all feeling a sense of awe and wonder at being spared the worst.
There have only been a few confirmed injuries, no deaths and only a small amount of structural damage (see the damage on a slide show from a channel 5 helicopter flyover). The majority of damage was done to the trees and power poles with some damage to a few vendors goods after the tents or tarps they used to cover their lots were torn away.
There was at least one RV overturned, one vehicle wound up upside down on Highway 19 and one vehicle was overturned on Interstate 20.
The Thunderstorm that produced the First Monday Tornado also was reported to have produced as many as 8 to 10 Tornadoes during its swift rampage across East Texas. It started as a small thunderstorm that rapidly grew in intensity and seriousness from a small rain storm to a Supercell Thunderstorm towering well over 50,000 feet tall and spawning Tornadoes, high winds, hail and torrential downpours.
There were reports, some unconfirmed of tornadoes touching down in Canton, Ben Wheeler, Lindale and several other towns in the area. The north end of the storm was producing straight line winds up to 70 and 80 miles an hour. The storm was moving eastward at somewhere near to 40 or 45 miles per hour giving people in its path little warning between seeing it and the weather turning seriously dangerous.
Canton emergency personnel responded rapidly and were assisted by by many of the agencies in the area. The City of Canton employees, helped by volunteers began the clean up almost immediately. Thanks to the great response from all involved and to the fortunate turn of events that left most unscathed, First Monday was back in full swing Friday afternoon and will be open for its regular schedule with no missed weekends.
Once again I want to say how thankful we all are that this Tornado spared so much and so many by hopping over us. The weather over the last 6 to 8 weeks in East Texas as well as North Central Texas has been producing many of these storms and quite a few Tornadoes. It seemed it was only a matter of time until one hit close to home and now it has. Yet we have weathered the storm and are ready for business at the:

World Famous First Monday Trade Days In Canton Texas, Over 155 years old!

Intolerance And The Harm It Causes

2008-02-07T09:29:00.000-06:00

Intolerance and the Harm It Causes

While I understand that people all over the world have been taught to believe the way they do by their teachers, parents, and religious leaders. I do not necessarily agree with what they believe. Yet I do understand that most are taught to believe that way and therefore know only what they have been shown. Therefore their differences are a product of their society, culture, training and beliefs not a lack of intelligence or willingness to learn.

Tolerance is something that is taught extensively in Christianity and yet many Christians I have met are some of the least tolerant people I know. Yet radical or fanatical fundamentalists in many religions can be severely intolerant and oppressive in how they rule a country or run a group, church or other aspects of their life as well. Intolerance is not just a problem for Christians or Americans; it runs rampant throughout the world’s population. It affects all countries, all races, all religions and all cultures.

However my beliefs are most likely as foreign to them as theirs are to me. So I can not fault someone for standing up for their beliefs. I can only fault those so intolerant as to refuse to even listen to another opinion or another person’s thoughts on a matter. I can only fault those unwilling to consider another’s point of view or beliefs. I can only fault those who have little or no tolerance for others or other opinions than their own.

Tolerance is hard for many people especially in America where the average person these days seems to think they know best how others should live and act. As evidenced by the proliferation of laws in the last couple decades that force more and more conformity and segment our society into ever widening gaps between those who agree and those who do not. So many forget that just because they do not like to do something or think it is silly or pointless does not mean others feel the same way. Just because one person believes something is bad or wrong does not make it so for others. There are as many opinions about most things as there are people. To try to force others to live, act and believe based on your personal opinions is more wrong than anything others may do. By trying to impose your standards, your beliefs or your sense of right and wrong on others is more of a crime than most other action anyone could take. It is the cause of more strife, war, tragedy, sadness and dysfunction in societies than anything else.

This is creating deep divisions in America and yet the vast majority refuses to even consider that their own intolerance is at least allowing this to go on if not helping or enabling it. It is destroying the fabric that makes America such a free and open society. It is undermining the very principles that America was founded and built upon. It is the single most important problem in America and most of the world that exists today. Yet the vastly overwhelming majority refuses to see or even consider it as even possibly existing in themselves. While so very many good decent human beings fail to recognize the problem or the danger it encompasses for all humanity, we continue to fall deeper into a recurring cycle of going overboard first one way then another.

Yet anytime someone disparages another person for their beliefs or opinions. Every time another person gets up and says I think this is wrong so we should make it illegal for everyone. Every time one belief says we are right and we need to force the rest of the world to believe as we do. Every time it only adds to the issues and forces the solutions to become much harder.

We must all work to understand each other whether we ever agree or not at least we must strive to understand that others can and do believe differently from us. We must remember it is okay for them to do so. Every person has a right to their own opinions and beliefs. It is our responsibility to be tolerant and understanding, not to be condescending or demanding of others simply because we disagree with them in some way.

One of the keys is to understand why another believes the way they do, even if we will never believe that way. It is still possible to understand others, other cultures and other beliefs even when we do not believe the same things. It is possible to be tolerant of another’s beliefs while disagreeing with them. It is possible to stand up for our beliefs without having to belittle others or be demeaned and degraded by others! It is still possible to agree to disagree while remaining friends and neighbors. It is not to late to start the pendulum swinging back towards tolerance and away from the repressive, the oppressive and the intolerant.

Douglas Wolfe
© February 6th 2008

Check out my Guestbook!

2007-11-18T12:09:00.001-06:00

Intolerance and the Harm It Causes

2007-11-16T13:03:00.000-06:00

Intolerance and the Harm It Causes

While I feel many people in many countries have been deluded into believing things by their teachers and I do not agree with what they believe I do understand that most are taught to believe that way. Therefore their differences are a product of their society and culture not a lack of intelligence.
Tolerance is something that is taught extensively in Christianity and yet most Christians are the least tolerant people I know. Yet radical or fanatical fundamentalists in many religions can be severely intolerant and oppressive in how they rule a country or run a group, church or other aspects of their life.
However my beliefs are most likely as foreign to them as theirs are to me. So I can not fault someone for standing up for their beliefs. I can only fault those as intolerant as to refuse to even listen to another opinion or another person’s thoughts on a matter.
Tolerance is hard for many people especially in America where the average person these days seems to think they know best how others should live and act. As evidenced by the proliferation of laws in the last couple decades that force more and more conformity and segment our society into ever widening gaps between those who agree and those who do not.
This is creating deep divisions in America and yet the vast majority refuses to even consider that their own intolerance is at least allowing this to go on if not helping or enabling it.
Yet anytime someone disparages another it only adds to the issues and forces the solutions to become harder. We must all work to understand each other whether we ever agree or not at least we must strive to understand that others can and do believe differently from us. We must remember it is okay for them to do so.
Every person has a right to their own opinions and beliefs. It is our responsibility to be tolerant and understanding, not to be condescending or demanding of others because we disagree with them.
One of the keys is to understand why another believes the way they do even if we never will believe that way. It is possible to understand other cultures and beliefs even when we do not believe the same things. It is possible to be tolerant of another’s beliefs. It is possible to stand up for our beliefs without having to belittle others!

Douglas Wolfe November 15, 2007

The Biggest Event of the Year!

2007-09-14T09:33:00.000-05:00

The October First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas are normally one of the two biggest months of the year. The weather is cooler, it is actually nice out walking around the lots and pavilions this time of year. Crowds approach 500,000 sometimes in October and again in April and May some years. There can easily be 10,000 vendors at times during these months. This is the month that defines the Canton Trade Days it shines in all its legendary glory. If you only get to go to one First Monday Canton Trade Days in your life, make it an October trip. You will relish the memory for the rest of your life!

While much of the Flea Market held every month the four days before the First Monday of the month in Canton, Texas has moved under the awnings and roofs of the pavilions. There is still a large area of open air lots both reserved and first come first served areas that keep the mystique and atmosphere of an old time Swap Meet and Trade Days alive and kicking every month. While the treasures that used to be found on a regular basis in some categories are harder to find others have sprang up to take their place. There is no telling what you might find digging through the boxes, crates and bins of many of the die hard vendors who refuse to go indoors or under a roof.

Many attractions are now finding there way to First Monday, Such as Thomas the Train who appeared a couple months ago. In the past many people never thought of the kids that attend with their families. Yet when you have 150,000 to 300,000 adults you also have 100,000 to 200,000 younger members of the family with them. First Monday is a treat for the entire family, truly with something for everyone. Experience it for yourself!

Social Networking in Online Communities Report

2007-09-14T07:42:00.000-05:00

Remembering 9-11

2007-09-14T06:40:00.000-05:00

A TRIBUTE TO 9/11

I am an American, I am honest
hardworking and patriotic like so
many of my friends and neighbors.
But, here on the anniversary of 9-11
I am saddened and deeply troubled by
the general mood of my friends,
neighbors and the apparent attitude of
America today. American freedom
and liberty has been bought and
paid for by the blood of heroic citizens
since the revolution that founded this
great country. Today more of our heroes,
our Sons and our Daughters will shed
their blood in defense of our right to
life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN 9-11?

Yet the grumblings, the backpedaling,
the backstabbing and yes the cowardice that seems
to be the prevailing mood in the country today prompts me to ask you that question.

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHO YOU ARE?

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THE
INNOCENT BLOOD SPILT ON 9/11?

WHAT WAS ONCE THERE IS NOW GONE,
HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?

THEY ARE STILL THERE
WAITING TO DO IT AGAIN!

Canton First Monday Trade Days Evoloution

2007-07-22T03:34:00.000-05:00

Canton First Monday Trade Days has Evolved over the last 155+ years several times. Here is a bit about some of those evolutions and why they happened.

Canton First Monday Trade Days has evolved many times since its inception around 1850. Yet through it all it has run continuously and grown to such a legendary event. As many know, it was called 'horse monday' or 'Hoss Monday" in the vernacular of the times. That was because people in the area rounded up the wild horses and brought them to town to trade or sell. Once the wild horse population was gone it slowly shifted to pigs. There was a time when it was said the best hogs in the world could be found at First Monday trade days. There is still a fairly large wild hog population in and around that portion of east Texas.

Nowadays people refer to dog alley when talking about the animal section of the first monday trade days. You can find almost any kind of domestic animal as well as most legal exotics there at one time or another. Yet dogs are still the number one animal today.

The pavilions have changed much of the grounds into a marketplace, But there are still the open air reserved and unreserved sections Roy referred to in his post below. Here the true flea market and swap meet atmosphere still prevails. Here you can still search through piles of odds and ends to find that one treasure that makes your whole trip worth while.

The World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas is a truly unique experience, you have to see it for yourself to believe it.

Douglas Wolfe
1st Monday.com

I Am Attending First Monday Trade Days in August

2007-07-09T07:17:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know that I will be at the August first monday. I will have a couple people passing out flyers and then I will be talking to all the vendors I can. I will have my laptop with me so I can show them the websites. I hope to show many the advantages of my web design and hosting services. I also hope to bring many of them to our online business communities.

There are over 2200 regular vendors. There often are that many again or even twice that in First Monday during the busier months. August is traditionally one of the hottest months here in Texas. The crowds are smaller many years. Yet 150,000 people as a small crowd is still an awesome event. I hope to see you at The World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas. Thank you for reading this.

Thank you for reading this.
Douglas Wolfe AKA The MatchMaker
First Monday Trade Days
Affiliate Match
Free Advertising & Resources
Online Business Profile
Wolfe Web Services Web Design
Wolfe Web Services Web Hosting
Helping Hands

Help Stop Cyber-Squatting Today! Sign the petition!

2007-06-16T22:55:00.000-05:00

Stop Cyber-Squatting of Domain Names Petition Sign it Today!
Written by wolfepk1 on Jun-16-07 10:51pm
Linked from Stop Cyber-Squatting Petition

Information
What is Cybersquatting?
According to the U.S. federal law known as the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act, cybersquatting is registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name with bad-faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else. But this can go further.
Aquiring a domain name is easy and can be completed with any domain registry company for under $10/year. The low cost and "First come, first served" processing is the reason individuals and companies have applied for and reserved domain names, either new or expired, that they think someone else will want.
Many cybersquatters reserve common English words, expired domain names, and well-known company names, sport and celebrity and political names in hopes that they will profit on the sale in the future. In 2005 and invidivual two weeks prior to they announced who was to be the next Pope purchased the domain name BenedictXVI.com. Once the announcement was made, he started getting about 100 hits each minute and directed them to his blog. He took advertising money and in numorous interviews promoting his site he said he was "considering options..." What this meant was a stay at the Vatican hotel, a hat and a few other things.
Since the cost is cheap and the rewards can be high, some cybersquatters reserve a long list of names and defer paying for them until forced to - preempting their use by others at no cost to themselves.
The registry companies are working on this problem. Meanwhile, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which licenses the domain name registrars, is working on a process for resolving domain name disagreements outside of the regular court system.
Who is ICANN?
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for managing and coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure that every address is unique and that all users of the Internet can find all valid addresses. It does this by overseeing the distribution of unique IP addresses and domain names. It also ensures that each domain name maps to the correct IP address.
ICANN is also responsible for accrediting the domain name registrars. "Accredit" means to identify and set minimum standards for the performance of registration functions, to recognize persons or entities meeting those standards, and to enter into an accreditation agreement that sets forth the rules and procedures applicable to the provision of Registrar Services.
Cybersquatting continues even after major changes were put into effect in 1999 and 2000.

Sign the petition today go to
Stop Cyber-Squatting Petition
Help us fight this issue and help put a stop to Cyber-Squatting!

Keeping Cool in the Texas Summer heat at First Monday Trade Days

2007-06-05T03:54:00.000-05:00

Another First Monday Trade Days has finished up

June 2007 First Monday Trade Days has happened. Though marred by rain it was still a good weekend for all. The rain unfortunately sometimes happens especially this time of year. But the crowds still show up!

Yes rain may make you find cover for a few minutes. It can never dampen the shopping spirits of the hundreds of thousands of visitors to First Monday Trade Days.

The next few months are the hot part of the year so remember to Keep Cool!

9 Tips for keeping cool in the Texas heat!

1. The most important factor to consider is hydration. Who hasn't heard: "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day"? That's a great start, but if you're exercising or trying to lose weight, you need to drink more. Also, the more you weigh, the more water you need to consume to keep your body functioning properly.

At first, it may seem difficult to consume the right amount of water, but your body will adjust and you will look and feel better when you consume the right amount of water. (And I do mean water, not sodas, tea, coffee, or other such beverages.) To see if you are getting enough water, check the color of your urine. It should be clear or a pale yellow. If it's dark, drink a pint (16 ounces) of water as soon as possible.

2. Wear sunglasses Your eyes are one of the most precious assets you have, and you need to protect them from the sun's harmful rays. Buy yourself a good pair of sunglasses that block out the sun's ultraviolet rays and then wear them.

According to RealAge.com, wearing sunglasses also helps to prevent a certain kind of cataract. "Exposure to ultraviolet radiation may increase your risk of cortical cataracts, which typically affect the outer edge of the lens of the eye." However, if you are diligent about wearing sunglasses when outside, you will have "significantly less lens clouding from cortical cataracts than non-wearers of sunglasses" This is according to a recent study. Find out more about Ultraviolet Rays Dangers.

3. Wear head protection to protect yourself from the sun and keep your head and face cool. Whenever possible, I wear a hat during the very cold winter months and when it rains, but I find that during the summer a hat makes me hot. You can also try vented hats.

4. Wear Sun Block on all exposed areas. Wear a sun block with at least an SPF of 15, although the higher the protection, the better. If possible, apply the sun block 30 minutes before going outside.

Don't let an overcast sky fool you into thinking you won't get sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays rain down upon you even through the clouds. Ultraviolet rays are what sunburn you and do the damage sunblocks protect you from. Though less intense on a cloudy day you still need to protect yourself from the ultraviolet rays.

5. Cover as much of your body as possible. I'm not saying you have to wear long pants or long sleeves, but exposing more skin also exposes you to more of the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Men, you might feel more comfortable with your shirt off, but leaving it on will protect you better from the sun.

6. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. I recommend special synthetic fabrics such as CoolMax and DriFit which wick away sweat and moisture from the skin. When I bought my first CoolMax shirt, I noticed the difference immediately.

7. In the summer, avoid strenous exercise during the middle of the day or early afternoon when the sun is the hottest. Early morning is the coolest part of the day. Even the early evening can be very hot.

8. Sometimes, when the early evening is extremely hot and humid. You may want to consider shopping inside the pavilions during the hottest parts of the day. Saving the open air lots and areas for the cooler mornings.

9. Rest. I know most people have no problem with this and would gladly use rest as an excuse for not extending themselves to much. I sometimes have days when I don't feel like getting up and getting out. On those days remember First Monday Trade Days has 4 days to shop. Don't try to see it all in one day, take your time, keep cool and enjoy all of The World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas.

Based on an article from Rachel Keller Writings used with permission.

Author: Douglas Wolfe

www.1stMonday.com

Online Business Profile

Wolfe Web Services

"Spam King" Arrested in Seattle

2007-06-01T03:33:00.000-05:00

Robert Soloway, known as the "Spam King", is Arrested!

Robert Soloway widely considered most prolific spammer in the world, is now in the custody of federal agents. He is known to have sent millions of spam e-mails, so many in fact that we all should see a decrease in the amount of spam we recieve according to some officials. Government officials say all of his spam should come to an immediate end.

Robert Soloway is facing a 35 count indictment including charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, email fraud, identity theft and money laundering. Yet we have to ask after the last 'Big Spammer' got off so easy, are the spam laws tough enough to put a real dent in the spam e-mails we recieve?

Microsoft won a seven million dollar judgement against Robert Soloway and yet afterwards he continued to send spam e-mails out. He like other spammers often used names or addresses of real people and real businesses to hide his identity.

While the people we talk to do not expect any real decline in spam we can always hope that with each new arrest we are closer to the end of our inbox frustrations.

Personally I believe spam will continue unabated for the time being. Yet I believe every effort should be made to stem the flow of spam e-mails now and in the future. Spam costs individuals and companies many man hours of time and that translates to big money in the long run. Everyone should help fight spam every chance they get.

Author: Douglas Wolfe

www.1stMonday.com

Online Business Profile

Wolfe Web Services

Visitors to First Monday get a real Treat!

2007-05-24T09:23:00.000-05:00

Visitors Information For First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas starts on the Thursday before the first Monday of each month and runs 4 days through Sunday. Considered the Oldest & Largest Flea Market or Swap meet in the USA if not in the World. First Monday is over 150 years old and going stronger than ever before. It is truly a shopping mecca without equal anywhere. Canton's Trade Days are a truly unique event that you must experience for yourself in order to believe! To see all dates remaining this year see our First Monday Dates Page or check out our Event Calendar! You can even Post your own event related to Canton Texas or First Monday!

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas has something for all visitors. There are
numerous Pavilions Many are
in the City of Canton's official
First Monday Trade Days Park. However There are many privately operated Pavilions in and outside
of the Trade Days park. Check out all the Pavilions Here on our pavilions page.

For those looking for the real flea market atmosphere, there are the open air lots.
Both reserved and the unreserved sections. These areas lend an ambiance to first Monday
that gives you a truly unique experience. Whether you choose a pavilion or booth or a lot.
You will become, for at least a few days, part of the phenomenon known as The World
Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas.

Vendors are allowed to set up on Wednesday according to the
following schedule: Food Vendors at 8:00 AM, Pavilions and the Civic center at 8:00 AM, Lots
in the reserved sections begin at 9:00 AM, The Log Cabin reserved section begins at 10:00 AM,
Last the unreserved sections begin at 11:00 AM. Selling is not allowed until Thursday. Visitors can start shopping at 8:00 AM Thursday. Most vendors are ready to sell on Thursday though some set up on Thursday and sell Friday Saturday and Sunday.
Whenever you come to First Monday to shop you will find a staggering variety of items to see and choose from. If you cannot find what you are looking for at first Monday, it must not be able to be found anywhere!

The City of Canton Police Department Operates a substation
right on the First Monday Trade Days Grounds. So help is never far away if ever needed.
Crime is not a big problem at the park. This is one of the few places where hundreds of
thousands of people still get together peacefully and amiably. Paramedics are always on
standby in case they are needed. City employees are out in force working in and around
the park through the whole weekend. The
City of Canton and Van Zandt County Sheriffs Department all use the 911 emergency system. So only one number to remember in an emergency... 911.

There are numerous Bathroom facilities scattered around the park and in some of the pavilions. There are many food vendors from fast food & takeout to indoor dining right on the grounds of First Monday. Also you can use our Search able Map of the Canton area to find local dining, lodging, attractions, businesses and service
providers for whatever you need. You can use the map to plot your drive here. To find a place to stay
while here and to find almost anything you can think of. There are many Campsites, Motels,
Restaurants, Bed & breakfast, Activities and Attractions within minutes of First Monday Trade Days.
Also you will find ample Parking and RV Parks right next to the Trade Days Park. For those who want
less of a camp out atmosphere East Texas Cable offers weekend cable service during first Monday for about $8:00.

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas is a very well run event. However like all such events
there are policies and procedures that must be adhered to. For all privately run areas and pavilions please
look up their notices. See The City
of Cantons Policies and Procedures Here. Also the City of Canton Has an FAQ on their site just click here to view it.
We hope you will enjoy your First Monday experience.
Feel free to Contact 1st Monday
with your stories and experiences while at The World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

To keep up to date on everything going on with 1st Monday.com and all updates to our site please Join our Update list Soon we will be adding a visitors directory so our visitors can add info to a personal profile and interact with other visitors or vendors here through messaging services, forums and private IMs within the forums. Check back often for the launch of our interactive features to allow all to communicate with each other in what ever ways wanted. Check back soon for our vendors directory. This will help you find vendors who carry what you are looking for. It will help you locate where vendors are within the first Monday grounds. It will help you find other vendors carrying similar items to what you find at one vendor. It will direct you to some vendors online stores and information so you can shop all month long not just during first Monday itself. While you are here be sure to check out the all new Free First Monday Online Photo Gallery, where you can upload your pictures and tell your story in your very own customizable photo albums!

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Canton First Monday Basic Vendors Information

2007-05-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

Vendors Information For First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas starts on the Thursday before the first Monday of each month and runs 4 days through Sunday

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas has a place for all vendors. There are numerous Pavilions Many are in the City of Canton's official First Monday Trade Days Park. However There are many privately operated Pavilions in and outside of the Trade Days park. Check out all the Pavilions Here. Find links to the applications or contact information on our Pavilions Page For pricing information for the City of Canton Trade Days Park see the Cities FAQ, click here. You will be able to find rates or contact information on our pages dealing with the other pavilions, areas and providers.

For those looking for the real flea market atmosphere, there are the open air lots. Both reserved and the unreserved sections. These areas lend an ambiance to first Monday that gives you a truly unique experience. Whether you choose a pavilion or booth or a lot. You will become, for at least a few days, part of the phenomenon known as The World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas.

Most of the Pavilions, Malls, Marketplaces & Indoor Venues require that you apply in advance. You must be approved before you can rent a space inside most buildings. The Canton Civic Center is restricted to antiques and collectibles only. However you can always rent a lot in the reserved or unreserved lots. There are several vendors that cater to the vendors selling at first Monday. You can rent tents, tables and more. You can even rent tents that will be set up for you on Wednesday or Thursday morning. Some Drive their RVs and stay in the right on the lots. You can camp on your lot so you never have to leave your merchandise unwatched. First Monday opens up at 7 AM. Vendors are allowed to set up on Wednesday according to the following schedule: Food Vendors at 8:00 AM, Pavilions and the Civic center at 8:00 AM, Lots in the reserved sections begin at 9:00 AM, The Log Cabin reserved section begins at 10:00 AM, Last the unreserved sections begin at 11:00 AM. Selling is not allowed until Thursday.

The City of Canton Police Department Operates a substation right on the First Monday Trade Days Grounds. So help is never far away if ever needed. Crime is not a big problem at the park. This is one of the few places where hundreds of thousands of people still get together peacefully and amiably. Paramedics are always on standby in case they are needed. City employees are out in force working in and around the park through the whole weekend. The City of Canton and Van Zandt County Sheriffs Department all use the 911 emergency system. So only one number to remember in an emergency... 911.

There is electric and water access within 100 feet of every lot and location in the First Monday Trade Days Park. There are numerous Bathroom facilities some including hot showers. There are many food vendors from fast food & takeout to indoor dining right on the grounds of First Monday. Also you can use our Searchable Map of the Canton area to find local dining, lodging, attractions, businesses and service providers for whatever you need. You can use the map to plot your drive here. To find a place to stay while here and to find almost anything you can think of. There are many Campsites, Motels, Restaurants, Bed & breakfast, Activities and Attractions within minutes of First Monday Trade Days. Also you will find ample Parking and RV Parks right next to the Trade Days Park. For those who want less of a camp out atmosphere East Texas Cable offers weekend cable service during first Monday for about $8:00.

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas is a very well run event. However like all such events there are policies and procedures that must be adhered to. For all privately run areas and pavilions please look up their notices. See The City of Cantons Policies and Procedures Here. Also the City of Canton Has an FAQ on their site just click here to view it. We hope you will enjoy your First Monday experience. Feel free to Email Us with your stories and experiences at The World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

Posted By Douglas Wolfe of 1stMonday.com

First Monday family picnic

2007-04-29T12:17:00.000-05:00

Many people make their trips to first monday trade days a family affair. They picnic, camp out or just try to outshop each other all weekend long.

Whether you come as a family or alone, you will find more than you ever bargained for!

First Monday Trade Days a Brief History

2007-04-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas History.

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas starts on the Thursday before the First Monday of each month and runs 4 days through Sunday

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas has a long history. Dating back to at least the 1850's. Some versions of the trade days history say it started as a horse swap meet. Other versions talk about how the circuit judge came to town only on the first monday of each month. Thus everyone came to town to do their buying and selling so they could record the transactions with the court. I believe their is truth in both versions. Since naturally people would choose the day the judge was in town as the day to buy and sell horses as well as many other items. Although some say the horse trading on the first monday predates the circuit judge's arrival on the scene. However it began may be buried in legend and stories passed down from generation to generation. One fact stands out clearly.

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas is widely regarded as the oldest and largest trade days in the world. It has grown from horse trading near the square and selling on the streets around the courthouse to a sprawling park covering hundreds of acres (the city owned park is approximately 160 acres), There are many areas outside the City of Canton trade days park such as Dog Alley, The Mountain, The Canton MarketPlace, and many more housing thousands of vendors and hosting millions of visitors a year.

The First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas has acquired the moniker "The World Famous First Monday Trade Days" and rightfully so! They have earned every bit of recognition they have garnered in the 150 plus years of existence. Somewhere around or before 1965 the City of Canton bought land just north of the courthouse and moved the trade days off of the town square. The original First Monday Trade Days Park was only about 6 acres. By this time the Trade Days had gained national recognition. There are many stories of interest connected to First Monday Trade Days. Far to many to include all here even in a brief summary. The rich and varied history helps to keep the mystique alive today. Come experience the World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas for yourself!

Email history@1stMonday.com with any stories about First Monday's History, suggestions, comments or corrections about the history of First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas.

Check out First Monday Trade Days Archives

First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas

2007-04-29T09:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog. I have set this up to become my avenue of imparting all the news about my newest venture. I have begun to develop a new website called First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas. Here in North East Texas we are proud of our little Flea Market.

It started somewhat over 150 years ago in the town square in Canton, Texas. It originally is said to have been called " Hoss Monday" in the vernacular of the times. it was supposed to have gotten its name from the wranglers rounding up the wild horses in the area. They would all meet in town on the First Monday to buy, sell or trade their horses. That is just one of the stories about the beginning of the Canton Trade Days legend.

Another version has it that since Canton was the county seat of Van Zandt County, Texas. The Circuit Judge Came to Town every First Monday for the one day only. Thus everyone would naturally be try to do all their buying, selling and swapping on that day. That way they could record any deeds or sales with the judge. I am sure many came to see the occasional hanging or to visit friends and family they knew would be there.

However it actually got started, Canton's Swap Meet has grown into a World Famous Event. I am sure their is some truth in both stories and it is my belief that many just tagged along to visit friends or neighbors. The World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas is widely regarded as the oldest and largest Flea Market, Swap Meet, or Trades Day in the United States if not in the World!First Monday started over a century and a half ago as a few people swapping horses or whatever on the town square. The swap meet has grown to an event of enormous proportions. The Official City of Canton owned and operated First Monday Grounds cover over 160 acres. Host over 3000 vendors some months and causes the population of the City of Canton to grow at times from just over 5000 people to as many as 300,000 people in the best months.

There are privately owned and operated areas also all around the park. These locations surround the main park on almost all sides. when you include the Vendor counts from all associated areas operating on First Monday Weekends. The vendor count can go as high as 7000 in the busiest months. The First Monday Swap Meet is truly a shopping Mecca unlike any other. It is an experience that will make an indelible mark upon you. It is so large & there is so much to see and do. It takes days to go through it all!

Canton Trade Days acquired the name First Monday Trade Days because it started out being held on the 1st Monday of the month. Today First Monday Canton Trade Days are held the 4 days prior to the First Monday of each month. Vendors are allowed to come in and begin setting up on Wednesday. Visitors are allowed in on Thursday and the selling begins. The Crowds pick up steam all day Thursday and continue to grow through Friday and Saturday. Sundays are a little unpredictable. The always changing North Texas Weather can play a large part in that at times. The actual First Monday of the month is no longer a day of selling. It is now a day of packing up, cleaning up and returning home.

I have started a new website that I hope will cover all of The First Monday Trade Days. It will be as complete and comprehensive as it can possibly be made. 1st Monday.com will be dynamic and interactive in many ways. For example, we have our Search able Canton Area Map up. It is powered by Google using map and search APIs. you can view the map of course. But, you can also enter almost anything in the search box. The map will refresh and show you markers of all locations, business or other items in the area that match you query. you can then scroll through the results one at a time starting with the closest to the center point of the map. Which is the East Gate of the official City of Canton First Monday Trade Days Park. You can also get driving directions and routes, find local Hotels & Motels, RV Parks & Camping, Dining or other needs while you are in the area. Go check out our Search able Canton First Monday Trade Days Map!

Thank you all for reading this and I hope to see a few comments or meet you out enjoying a visit to the Canton Flea Market or shopping 'till you drop!

Thank You,

Douglas Wolfe, www.1stmonday.com, Wolfe Web Services Please feel free to comment here in this blog or send me feedback to me at wolfepk1@yahoo.com

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

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Remembering 9-11

A TRIBUTE TO 9/11

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN 9-11?

Yet the grumblings, the backpedaling,the backstabbing and yes the cowardice that seemsto be the prevailing mood in the country today prompts me to ask you that question.

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHO YOU ARE?

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THEINNOCENT BLOOD SPILT ON 9/11?

WHAT WAS ONCE THERE IS NOW GONE,HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?

THEY ARE STILL THEREWAITING TO DO IT AGAIN!

Canton First Monday Trade Days Evoloution

Canton First Monday Trade Days has Evolved over the last 155+ years several times. Here is a bit about some of those evolutions and why they happened.

Nowadays people refer to dog alley when talking about the animal section of the first monday trade days. You can find almost any kind of domestic animal as well as most legal exotics there at one time or another. Yet dogs are still the number one animal today.

The World Famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas is a truly unique experience, you have to see it for yourself to believe it.

Douglas Wolfe 1st Monday.com

I Am Attending First Monday Trade Days in August

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Keeping Cool in the Texas Summer heat at First Monday Trade Days

Another First Monday Trade Days has finished up

June 2007 First Monday Trade Days has happened. Though marred by rain it was still a good weekend for all. The rain unfortunately sometimes happens especially this time of year. But the crowds still show up!

Yes rain may make you find cover for a few minutes. It can never dampen the shopping spirits of the hundreds of thousands of visitors to First Monday Trade Days.

The next few months are the hot part of the year so remember to Keep Cool!

9 Tips for keeping cool in the Texas heat!

Author: Douglas Wolfe www.1stMonday.com Online Business Profile Wolfe Web Services

"Spam King" Arrested in Seattle

Robert Soloway, known as the "Spam King", is Arrested!

Robert Soloway is facing a 35 count indictment including charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, email fraud, identity theft and money laundering. Yet we have to ask after the last 'Big Spammer' got off so easy, are the spam laws tough enough to put a real dent in the spam e-mails we recieve?

Microsoft won a seven million dollar judgement against Robert Soloway and yet afterwards he continued to send spam e-mails out. He like other spammers often used names or addresses of real people and real businesses to hide his identity.

While the people we talk to do not expect any real decline in spam we can always hope that with each new arrest we are closer to the end of our inbox frustrations.

Author: Douglas Wolfe www.1stMonday.com Online Business Profile Wolfe Web Services

Visitors to First Monday get a real Treat!

Visitors Information For First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

Online Shopping Available From 1st Monday.com

Canton First Monday Basic Vendors Information

Vendors Information For First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas

First Monday family picnic

First Monday Trade Days a Brief History

First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas

Yet the grumblings, the backpedaling,
the backstabbing and yes the cowardice that seems
to be the prevailing mood in the country today prompts me to ask you that question.

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THE
INNOCENT BLOOD SPILT ON 9/11?

WHAT WAS ONCE THERE IS NOW GONE,
HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?

THEY ARE STILL THERE
WAITING TO DO IT AGAIN!

Douglas Wolfe
1st Monday.com

Author: Douglas Wolfe

www.1stMonday.com

Online Business Profile

Wolfe Web Services

Author: Douglas Wolfe

www.1stMonday.com

Online Business Profile

Wolfe Web Services