The Broomcorn Capital of the World Arcola celebrates its heritage as the “Broomcorn Capital of the World” with the renowned annual Broomcorn Festival. Visitors can see broom making, broom activities, arts and crafts vendors, free entertainment,5K and 10K race, great food, and a gigantic parade with our local, famous Lawn Rangers!

The event, always held the weekend after Labor Day, honors Arcola’s position in the late nineteenth century as a center of broomcorn production.

Schedule of Events

September 8, 2023

10:00am: Festival Opens

11:00am: Pomeyo Family Dog Show Performance

12:00pm: Carnival Open

2:30pm: Pompeyo Family Dog Show Performance

3:00pm: Grand Marshall Reception - Areola Center

4:00pm: National Broom Sweeping Contest

4:00pm: Beer Pavilion Opens

8:00pm: Boom Box performs in the Beer Pavilion

September 9, 2023

8:00am: Broomcorn Festival 5k/10k Race at Moore Park
Choose to run either the 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles) race or walk the 5K recreational walk on brick and hard surfaces through and north of Arcola, Illinois. Finish in downtown Arcola. The 5K course is all in town.
The course features police escorts, aid stations, and split times. Awards are given to the top 3 finishers in each age division. Plaques are awarded to the top overall finishers. Door prizes will be drawn (must be present to win). Awards are presented following the race at the Main Street stage.

9:00am: Festival Opens

11:00am: Pompeyo Family Dog Show Performance

12:00pm: Miss Areola Baby Pageant on Main St. Stag

2:00pm: Pompeyo Family Dog Show Performance

3:00pm: HUGE Broomcorn Parade

6:00pm: Pompeyo Family Dog Show Performance

8:00pm: Jane Doe Performs in the Beer Pavilion

September 10, 2023

9:00am: Festival Opens

10:00am: Outdoor Church Service at Christian Church

10:00am: Pompeyo Family Dog Show Performance

11:00am: Kiddie Tractor Pull on Oak St.

1:00pm: Pompeyo Family Dog Show Performance

1:00pm: Jake & Mikayla Performance at Christian Church

2:00pm: Alex Miller Performs on Oak St. Stage

5:00pm: Festival Closes

Date: September 8-10, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Arcola, IL 61910

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