Kenneth Furr remembers when the firstWesson Flea Market Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show and Sale went offin 1971.

    He was then chief of the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department, whichputs on the market as a fundraising event for equipment andtraining.

    Now it is 40 years later and although Furr is not the chiefanymore, he still serves as the market organizer.

    “People from all over Mississippi, people from Texas, Tennessee,Louisiana, Alabama, really from all over the South come to sellarts and crafts and other flea market items,” Furr said.

    Furr said he is still getting phone calls from people wanting toreserve their spot for the event, which starts Saturday at 8 a.m.and runs until 5 p.m.

    “We had 167 vendors last year, and I expect about anywhere from 160to 170 this year, too,” he said.

    To reserve a 10-feet by 10-feet spot is $40. Furr said there arestill some good spots, but he expects space to run out soon, as itdoes pretty much every year.

    “Anyone is welcome to come set up, and we encourage everyone tocome out and see what it offered,” Furr said.

    Everything from glassware and ironware to woodwork and clothingitems will be showcased for sale at the annual market. Furr saidthere is always something for everyone.

    In addition to the market vendors, Furr said local food vendorswill also line the small downtown streets and children can enjoyinflatable slides.

    Furr allows only local church groups and organizations to sell foodso as to promote local food sales in the community, according toWesson Mayor Alton Shaw.

    “This is something that is looked forward to each year,” Shaw said.”It’s a fun time and a special event that brings a lot of energy tothe town.”

    Shaw said estimates in the past have suggested the event brings inas many as 10,000 people to enjoy the sales, the food and the smalltown Mississippi hospitality throughout the day.

    Following the Ole Brook Festival and its marketplace last weekend,the flea market continues the trend of outdoor market events thathappen in the area at this time of year to take advantage of thenewly welcomed fall season.

    The forecast for the flea market Saturday calls for clear skieswith cooler temperatures in the morning carrying over from Friday’sovernight low of 51 degrees. The afternoon is no less pleasant withabundant sunshine and temperatures rising into to the low 80s forthe high.

    Furr said the nice weather forecast should set up for another greatyear for the firefighter fundraiser.

    “Come on out and see what all there is to buy,” he said. “I’m sureanyone taking a look around will find something they want. Andeverybody always talks about how nice the people are. It should bea great day with pretty weather.”