For more than 41 years, the city of Wesson has held a flea market, offering residents from town and surrounding areas the opportunity to pick up handmade crafts, locally inspired art and other merchandise.

This Saturday, Oct. 19 will mark the 42nd year that the market has been put on.

For local residents, the flea market has become a tradition.

“The flea market is a source of pride for the Wesson community,” said former president of the Wesson chamber of commerce, Stephen Ashley.

The Wesson fire department is the sponsor and is responsible for the nuts and bolts of the market. This includes all of the setup and prep work, which allows local vendors the opportunity to display their crafts, or to sell their merchandise at the market.

Frank Newell, pastor of Decell Memorial United Methodist Church and volunteer fireman, has high praise for Kenneth Furr, the main man behind the flea market ceremonies for the last 41 years.

“This is Ken’s way of staying in touch with the fire department. He was with the fire department for over 40 years. In fact, he helped organize it in the very beginning,” Newell said. “When it comes to the flea market, I can’t remember a time when Ken wasn’t involved.”

The flea market continues to raise funds for the Wesson fire department, which is an all-volunteer force.

The flea market will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street.