March First Monday Weekend

This March First Monday shows promise for the event. The weather was nice, partly cloudy on Saturday with around a 63 high, Sunday was warmer with a high around 68. Saturday saw about 25-30% square spaces filled but Sunday improved, with 50-55% filled spaces around the square. Brisk buying and trading occured in spurts. In the late morning there was a group of 10 around my booth at one time and a stream of 8-10 per minute. You might compare this rate with last years Labor Day which displayed a rate of 35-40 peak per minute with as many as 35 around my booth.

The trader and visitor showing was good. I think many would be surprised to find out the number of out of county and out of state visitors we have coming to see first Monday, it is 65-70% of the total visitors. Many older folks often express their disappointment that First Monday isn't like it used to be. " I can remember, dogs, chickens, horses, knives, guns, produce, old stuff and about everything else." The domestic animals and livestock may not be there but much of the "old stuff" is still there with some modern items and many crafts.

First Monday is not dead and is improving. It will never be as it once was but there ain't noth'n in life that is ever the same from previous years. A special thanks goes to the Shriner's and the good people that work their concession on the North Side of the Square. They were always there with a hot cup of coffee and a Hot Dog for Lunch, sometimes the only place for food, particularly on Sundays. A special thanks also goes to the Court House Maintainance Staff who has kept the bathrooms open, clean and stocked. There were those morning this past winter when there were only 6 spots with vendors. There were always good folks that stopped by and said hi and engaged in conversation. I learned many years ago to try to make the best of bad situations, even in those cold winter mornings I always made trades. Today and yesterday was a good March Trade Days Event. Not many vendors are staying for Monday unless there is a long weekend involved such as a holiday.