CANTON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
It's that time of year again when folks wake up before dawn to get an early start on holiday shopping at the Canton Flea Market.
"Early bird gets the worm," said shopper Jean Wheeler.
Robin Davis woke up early to shop at the flea market with her sister Pam Smith.
"For me getting up at four is no different than six it's dark," said Davis.
"It's just kind of an adventure to get to do that so we've done it this way every year," Smith told WLBT.
Unique and inexpensive crafts attract lots of people to the Canton Flea Market. Vendor Donna Johnson and her friends sell all sorts of crafts, including recycled light bulbs creatively painted as Christmas ornaments.
The ladies have traveled to the Canton Flea Market from Tuscaloosa, Alabama for about 14 years now and this is their last flea market in Canton. Among many items, Johnson and her friends sell tables and chairs for children, Christmas wall décor and decorated flower pots filled with candy. With full-time jobs, the women don't have their own store and actually create all of their crafts at home.
"The basements, the living rooms, the kitchens and anywhere we can find a place to paint," said Johnson.
Shopping at the flea market can work up a big appetite. The "Cajun Pistol," a fried bread roll filled with cheese and seafood is always a flea market favorite.
"The one year they actually missed I got several phone calls wanting to know where was the "Cajun Pistol," said Jana Padgett, the coordinator for the Canton Flea Market.
By the end of Thursday, it's estimated that about 50,000 would have attended the flea market. It's a big economic boost for the City of Canton.
"It helps support our police force it helps support all of our city and community services," said Canton Mayor Dr. William Truly.
Thursday's flea market shuts down at 5PM. The next flea market will take place on the second Thursday in May.
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