55th annual Wesson Flea Market brings community together while supporting fire department

By Louise Vaughn

What began fifty-five years ago as an effort to raise money for the Wesson Fire Department has grown into one of the community's longstanding fall traditions, drawing an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people each year.

The Wesson Fire Department's 55th Annual Flea Market will return October 17, bringing dozens of vendors, local organizations, food and families to the streets of Wesson.

The market will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Highway 51, Factory Street and Spring Street. At least sixty-eight vendors were registered at the time organizers provided information about the event.

Wesson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ken Carraway said the flea market was started by former Fire Chief Kenneth Furr as an effort to raise money for the department. More than five decades later, the fire department continues to organize the event.

The flea market is the department's only fundraiser and typically raises approximately $6,000 to $7,000 each year, Carraway said.

The proceeds help the volunteer department meet needs that cannot be covered by other funding.

Carraway said the department receives state rebate money, but those funds can only be used for structural firefighting training and equipment. Flea market proceeds can be used to purchase needed equipment for medical first responders, forest fires and vehicle extrication, as well as help cover equipment maintenance.

The fundraiser also helps provide training and personal protective equipment for department members.

For Carraway, however, the annual event is about more than raising money.

"My favorite thing about the flea market is it's a day the department guys and gals get to slow down and meet our community we serve," Carraway said. "We also get to watch the good fellowship and enjoy great food."

Shopping, food and fall tradition

This year's registered vendors will bring a wide variety of merchandise to Wesson, including antiques, collectible knives, hand-painted art, jewelry, key chains, hair bows, doll dresses and T-shirts.

Shoppers looking for seasonal decorations or gifts can also expect yard art, wreaths, door hangers, candles and other specialty items. Local artists and craftspeople will offer handmade drawings, wreaths, bows and specially designed shirts.

Carraway said holiday decorating and gift shopping are among the things people look forward to at the annual market, along with the change of seasons and cooler temperatures.

Food will once again be a major part of the day.

This year, a food court will be set up on Spring Street near Highway 51. Local churches and nonprofit organizations, including Wesson Baptist Church, the Boy Scouts and The Doll's House, are expected to participate.

Food offerings are expected to include ribeye steak sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken strips, chicken on a stick, funnel cakes, snow cones and sweet tea. The Lions Club will sell sweet potatoes.

Visitors can also expect pork skins, kettle corn, jellies, jams and baked goods to enjoy at the market or take home.

Families with children will have another reason to stay awhile, with organizers planning a fun zone where children can play and burn off some energy.

There will be no live musical entertainment this year, according to Carraway.

More than a market

With an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 people attending each year, the flea market gives members of the volunteer fire department an opportunity to interact with the community under circumstances very different from the emergencies that normally bring firefighters and residents together.

For the department, the event serves two purposes: raising money needed to help operate and equip the department and spending a day among the people its members serve.

After 55 years, the combination of food, shopping, fellowship and community support continues to make the flea market a fixture on Wesson's fall calendar.

Vendor registration remained open when organizers provided information for the event. Booth spaces are 10 feet by 10 feet and cost $50. Vendors must provide their own tents, tables and display equipment. Setup begins after 5 p.m. October 16.