The 54th annual Wesson Flea Market is October 18

By Bob Arnold

For the fifty-fourth time, the streets of downtown Wesson will be filled with vendors for the annual Wesson Flea Market, sponsored by the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department.

On Saturday, October 18, crafters, artisans and more from around the Southeast will converge on Wesson to offer arts and crafts items, fleas, clothing, food, snacks and refreshments, among other things, to thousands of browsers and shoppers.

A day organized each year by the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department, the event typically has more than one hundred fifty vendor booths for shoppers to peruse. Individuals, church groups, clubs, civic organizations and businesses set up their tents and welcome market-goers from far and wide.

The Flea Market starts at 8 a.m. on Highway 51, and Factory, Spring and Beech Streets. It will be open until 4 p.m. Food offerings will be on Factory and Spring Streets.

For information about booth space and registration, visit the “WessonFleaMarket” Facebook page.

Vendors are encouraged to set up the day before the event, and streets will be open for setup after 6 p.m. on Friday, October 18. Vendors should check in at the Information Booth under the “Wesson Fire Department” banner prior to setting up. Vendors must furnish their own tables, chairs and display needs.

Only vehicles with merchandise, tents, etc. will be allowed in the flea market area for setup.

Vendors must be set up and ready for customers by 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 18.

Typically, vendors for the flea market come from throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas and Tennessee. While parents shop, children can enjoy a special fun zone that will be set up near Dollar General.

Started by a local merchants’ association, WVFD turned the event, known today as the "Wesson Flea Market," into a major fundraiser held annually on the third Saturday in October.  The volunteer fire fighters say the booth rentals from the event helps to generate approximately $5,000 each year to purchase equipment for the fire department.  

For more information, contact the fire department at 601-265-1694 or WessonFD@gmail.com.