ARCOLA, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Arcola Broom Corn Festival is back this weekend, meaning people in town -- including Mayor Jesus Garza -- can return to their favorite annual traditions.

"The sweep contest, I wish I could win, I won a couple years ago," Garza said. "People love it, and I love it too."

The festival started in 1970 as a way to honor the city’s history of broom manufacturing and its former status as the broomcorn capital of the world.

"The city started growing with the factories, the broom factories are what they started working on," Garza said.

This year, the city is taking its commitment to honoring nearby factories a step further with the grand opening of its new Broom Palace.

Inside the building, you can find brooms, old factory equipment and one of the best views you can

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