National Citizens Senior Day was Thursday, Aug. 21, but Homewood celebrated at the weekly farmers market on Saturday, Aug. 23, and in the process introduced a new market feature: themes.

“Next year we’ll come out with all sorts of different themes, but this was for our first test and we did it for seniors,” Events Manager Marla Youngblood said.

Anyone 55 or older was able to get a free ice cream cup from Dip N’ Double, and the village gave away tote bags filled with safety kit items like hand sanitizer, small flashlights and first aid supplies to the first 50 seniors at the market. Youngblood said all the bags were given away by 9:30 a.m. The market opened at 8 a.m.

The market footprint also was extended on Saturday. Normally, vendors set up along Martin Square from Ridge to Chestnut roads. The extension allows more vendors by reserving Chestnut Road from Martin to Dixie Highway.

Youngblood said the occasional extended markets are expected to continue next year as vendor demand increases.

The regular footprint has 38 spaces, although the number of vendors is usually less than that because some of them reserve more than one space. In the expanded market there are 52 spaces, Youngblood said. This is the first year the market has offered the extended space on a regular basis.

Coming next will be the last Homewood Block Party of the summer season from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. Youngblood noted the monthly event is designed to be a teen-friendly opportunity to enjoy music and food.

The village is hoping to host a shred day in September, although Youngblood said the date has not been set.

The next big event will be on Oct. 11, the last summer farmers market and Fall Fest. Youngblood said the date of Fall Fest was moved back a couple of weeks because residents said they preferred more autumn-like weather. The festival has been held in late September in recent years, and in a couple of cases, the weather was hot.