Canton traders and citizens raise concerns about restricted access to First Monday Trade Days

CANTON, Texas (KETK) – Vendors and attendees of First Monday Trade Days voiced their opinions at the Canton City Council meeting on Tuesday.

Part of the site is owned by the city, the other side has been owned by the Lewis family since 1979. Merchants and citizens are opposed to changing the entrances and exits for merchants on the Lewis side.

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“It would prevent older vendors from being able to access the Pavilion 1 property to set up their booth and park their supply trailer on Lewis’ property because they would have to cross a 25- to 30-foot-wide section of city property,” said Robert Shumate, a 30-year vendor.

As part of this change, the city will place bollards along the property line and deny Lewis vendors access through city entrances.

“Records show that restricting the historic rear entrance for city merchants was made primarily to ensure pedestrian safety and reduce automobile traffic. Therefore, the decision primarily benefited the public who flock to the area on trading days,” said Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett.

Vendors said the change would not solve the city’s traffic flow concerns, but would rather pose a larger safety problem.

“There is concern that emergency services and fire departments will soon arrive to treat these health problems that need to be resolved in a very short period of time,” said Tami Ratterree, a saleswoman.

Many believe this decision could be detrimental to traders, visitors and businesses that have relied on and thrived on the trading days for decades.

“What they are trying to do could destroy the first Monday we’ve had in 150 years,” said Lori Anderson, a vendor.

Everett said that decision has already been made, and now the city and retailers are wondering when the bollards will be installed.

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