Trade Days Time Remaining

Shopping at a flea market is an all day affair.  Especially at one as large and diverse as Canton First Monday Trade Days.  Here are ten items to bring along that can prepare you to make the most of your day and ensure that you enjoy it.

Wide Brim Hat

First Monday Trade Days is mostly an oudoor market.  And Texas can be hot and sunny.  A wide brimmed hat will help keep the sun off your head, face, and neck, which keeps you a little cooler and protects you from getting burned.  Remember that overcast days still allow most of the UV light through, so wear a hat on those days, too.

Umbrella

Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain, those quick afternoon showers can pop up and drench you in a minute or two.  A small, packable umbrella is perfect to ward off the smaller showers and it can be used to beat back the scorching mid-day sun as well.

Small Cart

These can be rented, and even purchased, at several places when you get to Canton First Monday Trade Days.  But, if you have one, bring it with you.  A small cart keeps you from having to  carry all your stuff.  That keeps you from getting sore arms and shoulders.  And bringing one that you already have means that you have a few extra dollars to spend on great finds.

Hand Sanitizer 

Remember, all that stuff you are picking and handling, hundreds of others have picked up and handled as well.  A small bottle will last all day and it’s a quick, easy deterrent to germs that could spoil an otherwise wonderful trip.

Good Walking Shoes

You are going to walk and stand . . . a lot.  Wear comfortable, good fitting shoes that you know are going to keep your feet happy all day.  This isn’t the time to wear those cute pumps that you just purchased to go with your blouse.  

Field Journal

This may sound a little silly, but you could want to take notes.  With the size of First Monday Trade Days, you may need to make notes of things you saw and where they were located so you can find them again later.  Or maybe something you saw gave you an idea that you need to jot down.    

Water Bottle

Hydration is key to keeping your energy up.  Bringing one with you will ensure that you have one.  Take sips on it through the day to replenish the water you lose through sweating and the simple act of breathing.  

Small Measuring Tape

If you are looking for furniture or something that needs to be a certain size, pack a small tape measure.  Better to measure it and know for sure than to chance that it “might” fit in the back of your SUV or that small alcove in your living room. 

Shoulder bag

A nice, roomy shoulder bag that has large, wide straps will give you someplace to stash your small goodies and keep your supplies close at hand.  Large straps help prevent it from digging into your shoulders too badly.  

Jacket

It’s Texas, y’all.  If you are visiting Canton First Monday Trade Days in the spring or fall months, the temperature can go from 80 to 60 in less than an hour.  Don’t get caught out in the cold without something to keep you reasonably warm.  Pack a small, lightweight jacket that you can throw on when the temperature drops.

With a little planning, you can make sure that your trip to Canton First Monday Trade Days is a good one.