More than 150 vendors -- individuals, church groups, clubs and civic organization and businesses -- will line the streets of downtown Wesson in their special tents to offer arts and crafts items, fleas, clothing, food, snacks and refreshments, among other things, to thousands of browsers and shoppers expected to flood into town on Saturday, October 21, for the 52nd annual Flea Market and Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show.
Wesson Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) Chief Ken Carraway, who is coordinating the Flea Market for WVFD, the managing organization, predicts a big crowd will be browsing, shopping and munching on the concessions. The Flea Market will start at 8 a.m. on Highway 51, Factory, Spring and Beech Streets and run until 4 p.m.
While their parents shop, kids can play and run off their energy at a special fun zone.
“With help of some good weather, it will be a time for great food, shopping and fellowship,” says Carraway.
At a food court on Spring street near highway 51, shoppers can consume or take home varied edibles offered by civic clubs and church groups -- pulled pork parfaits and sandwiches, pork skins, egg rolls, jambalaya, burgers, chicken strips, chicken on stick, turkey legs, kettle corn fish plates, funnel cakes, jellies. jams and baked goods, along with Mississippi’s favorite beverage -- sweet tea, of course.
Vendors from throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas and Tennessee will be on hand to help visitors with their gift lists for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, offer seasonal decorations and meet varied home and personal needs.
Shoppers will find drawings, paintings and ceramic and glassware of local artists and artisans. There will be yard art, wreaths, door hangers, candles and much, much more for those wo want to add charm in and around their homes. Pets, flowers and plants, an array fleas and crafts -- dolls and doll clothing, wood and iron work, men’s and women’s clothes, leather products, bath products, collectible knives, hair bows, jewelry and antiques – will all be part of the mix.
Friends of the Library will hold its annual book sale in the building next to the Wesson public library pavilion. Town Hall staff will be in a special tent, where residents can get to know government officials.
Started by a local merchants association, WVFD turned the event, better known today as the "Wesson Flea Market," into a major fundraiser held annually on the third Saturday in October. The volunteer fire fighters generate some $5000 each year on sales of the 10-foot-by-10-foot display areas at $45 each to purchase equipment for the fire department, Carraway says.
Vendors and exhibitors can still reserve display areas. They must furnish their own tables, chairs, and other display equipment and may sell from tents, booths or their cars and trucks. Set-up for the Flea Market is after 5 p.m. on Friday, October 20, and before 8 a.m. on Saturday. Get information at 601-265-1694 or wessonfd@gmail.com.