There’s a few tell-tale signs that it’s summer in Summit County. Ski racks disappear from cars and are replaced with bike racks, snowboards on slopes are swapped for paddle boards on the lake and, on Fridays, Dillon Town Park is lined with tents. 

Dillon hosts one of the most beloved farmers markets in Colorado’s High Country. The town introduced a new feature this summer to make it even better. 

An interactive map was created to make a better experience for both visitors and vendors. The map lays out where each vendor will be and gives details on their business including what dates the vendor will be there, contact information and the history of the business. 

Suzanne Phillipson, Dillon’s marketing and communications manager, said the town began using a new software, called Market Works, after seeing its success at the Steamboat Springs’ farmers markets. 

“It’s just been really nice to be able to pull in vendors, send them all the information that they need through this software, and then the piece of having that map and the vendor profiles has been really great,” Phillipson said. 

She said vendors are able to beef up their profiles and the town is test-running an aspect of the software that allows vendors to reserve particular spots they may want in the farmers market.

Bob Stephens from Castle Rock has had a tent at the Dillon Farmers Market for a decade now. He said he appreciates the new software’s features, especially since he had already seen how effective they were from being a vendor in Steamboat’s farmers market. 

“The vendor profile shows people exactly what is being sold and when. I think it’s super easy to use and expedites the process,” Stephens said. 

Stephens added he also appreciated a change made to the market last year — its relocation to Dillon Town Park. 

“Being down by the water was beautiful, but the wind would shut us down a lot,” he said. 

Jewelry maker Deb Fine, who has clocked in 20 years as a vendor, said Dillon’s has long been her favorite farmers market. 

“The community’s great, the vibe is great and the clientele is always wonderful, warm and friendly,” Fine said.

Fine and Stephens are two of nearly 100 vendors or organizations on the list for the 2024 season. Alongside private vendors, local nonprofits such as Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and the Family and Intercultural Resource Center also have tents.

The Dillon Farmers Market is every Friday and ends Sept. 13. The market runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., and is in Dillon Town Park along Buffalo Street and LaBonte Street. There are live performances each week and yoga from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. No pets are allowed.

The interactive map and more information can be found at TownofDillon.com/events/dillon-farmers-market.