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On the creek banks of downtown Collinsville in 1902, a tradition began in this sleepy little town of only 1800 people. This tradition at that time was called, "Horse Swappers Day" and was held every Saturday. Men would bring their horses and mules to trade and sell. Over the years, wives started coming with their husbands to sell their handmade and homebaked items. As this swap meet grew, it became too large for the downtown area and was relocated to its present day location in June 1955. The sale was then renamed Collinsville Trade Day. The market now covers 65 acres with over 1000 vendors and over 30,000 shoppers arriving each Saturday. Items are sold in many different fashions from the bed of the vendors' trucks, some in booths or yard-sale style. Most anything you are looking for in the way of flea market items, you will find at Collinsville Trade Days. This market was originally located a block north of Main Street on the old Collinsville School grounds where hunters and breeders bartered for coon dogs, bird dogs and rabbit dogs. It then moved to property located beside the Collinsville Baptist Church for awhile, until both the school and church decided the distraction was inappropriate. It is now located on U.S. 11 South. Merchandise includes almost any conceivable product: guns, antiques, junk, T-shirts, needlework, crafts, jewelry, furniture, tools, skateboards, dolls, embossed leather, pots, clocks, candlesticks, paintings and much, much more! There about about 200 pet vendors available. Owners Charles and Kathy Cook invite you to come shop and make your Saturday and fun family day full of entertainment with bargains to take home. When you shop at Collinsville, Be Prepared to Haggle! That's half the of of it! With over 20 food concessions and every conceivable type of merchandise, you are sure to leave happy and content. Collinsville Trade Days is open every Saturday at 4:30 a.m. We are included in the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel Top Twenty Attractions/Events Report 1999-2002. |