LIVINGSTON — Large trade events and flea markets are known to attract visitors from several states away.

On Saturday, May 25, longtime local furniture king Valery Watts will try to get Livingston Parish in the game with his store’s inaugural V. Watts Trade Day.

The event will include an antique car show, poultry swap, arts and crafts, food and an opportunity for local craftsmen and artisans to sell their goods from booths that rent for as little as $10. Trade Day from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. will be in and in front of the Trade Mart at the V. Watts Old Country Store building on U.S. 190.

“We’ve had a lot of people who’ve enquired about wanting to sell their stuff on our property,” Watts explained. “This is new for us. It’s unbelievable the response we’re getting. The phone is ringing off the wall. It’s just blown us away. One man rented the entire front porch plus a 16-foot trailer.”

Watts said Wednesday morning only two booths inside the building remained unreserved.

If the day goes as well as hoped, look for Watts to reprise the event every four to six weeks.

Watts, family and friends have held private garage sales in front of the store several times and often get requests from vendors to rent space. Trade Day is an attempt to test the concept that has often brought big money into small communities that try it.

“This is the kind of stuff you usually have to go to Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia to get to,” Watts said.

Unlike the world’s largest flea market south of the Livingston I-12 exit that flopped in the 1980s, Watts plans to open his back parking lot and next door yard to free parking. He believes that should pack the place for the allure of shopping bargains from the many tools, antiques and jewelry vendors. In addition the event offers the attractions of D.J. Homer T for an open car show with free admission, the Watson Poultry Swap Meet to buy and sell chickens and face painting. Food offerings will include funnel cakes, corn dogs and Italian ice.

Trade Day will coincide with the V. Watts Furniture Store Memorial Day Sale, which is likely to produce crowds from one end of the property to the other.

For more information about the event or renting space, call 225-686-7238.