First Monday Madness

   If you’re looking to trade or buy items at flea markets in Mississippi the First Monday Flea Market in Ripley attracts a good number of people. There’s not a flea market in the mid-south that competes with the number of different traders that sell their merchandise at First Monday, which is named for taking place during the first weekend of every month.

            “As soon as the gates open to start letting in customers, within an hour, the traffic will be backed up for at least a mile down the highway,” Chase Lerossignol, a Ripley resident that is employed at First Monday said.

The over crowded flea market will be jam packed until around 3 a.m. that day. Chase’s job is to take up money for parking and to direct traffic with customers leaving.

            The men head toward the row with cheap scrap medal as if they’re looking for something to start a new project with. Their wives stroll around the furniture area looking for mismatched things while their children beg for a new puppy that’s just two aisles over.

The unique flea market also rents out trailers and golf carts for customers attending the monthly event. Many stop to eat at a buffet restaurant located in the heart of First Monday called Trader’s Inn.

            “I’ve been working here for more than three years,” Chase said. “I honestly think if I stopped, I’d miss it.”

            First Monday is known all over the South. Many out of state traders come down to Ripley for this huge event. It has been running strong for the last 30 years.

            “The largest problem we have is the shortage of parking space. Now that the flea market has become more famous the land fills up quick,” Chase said.

            Parking is a vital source of income for First Monday. When many come for the first time they feel like more of a spectator than a buyer, but they don’t stay away for long.

            “Many people come back again,” Chase said. “Most just want to know what else they could possibly see.