10 Tips to Have a Successful Trip to Canton First Monday Trade Days
July 2020
Canton First Monday Trades is huge at over 400 acres, multiple sites, and literally thousands of vendors. If it's your first time visiting, it can seem overwhelming and disorienting when you arrive.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your visit and really enjoy your shopping experience.
- Don't show up on Monday. Canton First Monday Trade Days, despite its historic name, is held the Thursday through Sunday prior to the first Monday of the month. Year round, rain or shine.
- Thursdays and Fridays will have the smallest crowds. Sundays may have you finding the best deals as it's the last day and vendors might want to sell their goods instead of packing them back up. Don't avoid rainy, grey days. These are great for deals because most people won't be out in the fields and the vendors there will want to make sales.
- Bring cash for parking. It's $5/day in most areas. Have cash to make purchases as well. A lot of vendors only accept cash. There are ATMs around, but they sometimes go empty. Plus, if you have cash, you can haggle to get a better price—if you enjoy doing that. Bring ones! Vendors will really appreciate them.
- For the first time visitor, the easiest place to park is through the North Gate off VZCR 2106 (right across from Canton Marketplace). It's $5/day-cash. This will allow you to work your way south through all the pavilions and shops. And you won't have to cross Highway 19.
- Canton Marketplace, located north of the original grounds at the corner of Highway 19 and VZCR 2106, and the Canton Civic Center both have indoor air conditioned shopping. Great places to cool off in the warmer months. Canton Marketplace also has free parking.
- The Canton Civic Center is dedicated to antiques and collectibles. The Arbors has newer mass produced merchandise. The Fields is where you are most likely to find the random, weird, quirky stuff.
- A cart or wagon is great to lug around all those great deals you find. Bring one with you or they can be rented or purchased on-site.
- Have a map of the grounds, especially if it's your first time. This will help you navigate and keep you from getting lost.
- Have plenty of water with you, but food and beverages are provided by a number of vendors located throughout Trade Days. Some offer walk-up service only while others have places to sit and relax.
- Enjoy great conversations with the vendors. A lot of the vendors at Canton First Monday Trade Days are there because they are passionate about what they are selling. You might not only come away with a great deal but maybe a new friend as well.
- We realize we said 10 tips, but this is a bonus. Be sure to check out the Canton Shopping Guide before your trip to plan and find great vendors you don't want to miss.
