Canton Trade Days are have been going alive and well for 170-years, and no matter what the weather or economic condition, they’ve prevailed through it all until COVID-19.
Just this week the City of Canton decided to close their famous trade days as said in a statement posted to their website.
“The City of Canton has been monitoring the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our citizens, vendors, visitors, and employees remains our highest priority. Closing First Monday due to COVID-19 was a hard decision because it supports more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and local merchants who rely on this market for their livelihood,” the statement read.
“But, we feel closing the April 2-5, 2020 Trade Days is in the best interest of our local community and the thousands of folks who come from all over the country to sell and shop at First Monday, Canton. We want to help fight the spread of this virus and hope you join us in our efforts. Vendors may contact their property owners for more information.”
The First Monday Trade Days have opened every month without fail for 170 years, no matter the weather or conditions. They are also the oldest and largest old-fashioned outdoor shopping venue in the nation where thousands of people come and meet face to face to buy, sell and trade goods.
“After we are cleared to re-open, we want to encourage anyone and everyone to come back out to First Monday to support the artisans and vendors that provide the unique products who have been First Monday’s specialty since the 1850s,” read the statement.
With many businesses and markets closing their doors to the public due to concerns over the coronavirus, shoppers are being urged to support their local small businesses as most can sell through an online website.
