Wesson News
A time-honored tradition for over five decades has opened for registration for its fall 2024 version. The Annual Wesson Flea Market, now in its fifty-third year, is set for Saturday, October 19.
Hosted by the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD), the festive day typically boasts more than one hundred fifty vendors - individuals, church groups, clubs, civic organizations and businesses -- who line the streets of downtown Wesson in their tents to offer arts and crafts items, fleas, clothing, food, snacks and refreshments, among other things, to thousands of browsers and shoppers.
The Flea Market will start at 8 a.m. on Highway 51, Factory, Spring and Beech Streets and run until 4 p.m.
Booth space is available to those who wish to participate in the sale as a vendor. Booths are 10’ by 10’, and return vendors may reserve their same booth as last year by returning their registration by September 1. All new vendors will be assigned after that date on a first-come, first-served basis. Only civic clubs and church groups in the Wesson Trade Area will be allowed to sell food.
To reserve a booth, locate the registration form on the “WessonFleaMarket” Facebook page. Booth cost is $50 per booth, with an additional charge of $10 if the booth requires electricity. Booths will not be held in reservation after October 1 without payment, which can be made by check or money order.
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.
All merchandise must fit within the 10’ by 10’ booth area, and no 12’ by 12’ tents will be allowed. Booths exceeding the 10’ by 10’ booth area will incur an extra fee and/or may be moved to another location. Sidewalks behind booths must be kept open.
Vendors must be set up and ready for customers by 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 19.
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, and a food court area will be set up for all to enjoy.
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 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.
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