Turkey Testicle Festival 'Gets Bigger and Bigger'
Annual event draws large crowds with signature treat, which hosts describe as "a mix between a chicken nugget and a fried mushroom."
It's not for the weak of stomach.
Huntley's Turkey Testicle Festival is an annual tradition in town and visitors will come from near and far to tantalize their tastebuds with turkey testicles Nov. 24.
During the festival, 1,000 pounds of the main dish unmentionables will be delivered from a Michigan farm. On the night before Thanksgiving, cooks will bread the treats with a secret recipe and throw them in hot grease for 12 minutes. In all, the staff swaps out nearly 750 pounds of oil.
The result is mounds and mounds of gooey, breaded goodness.
Mark Weishaar, owner of the Parkside Pub where the event will take place, offered a few suggestions to first-timers.
"Eat the smaller ones because the larger ones will pop in your mouth," he said.
Weishaar says most people aren't sure what to expect when they take the first bite. He describes it as "a mix between a chicken nugget and a fried mushroom."
"Veterans will go after it," Weishaar said. "But for the newbies, they might want to go for the smaller ones."
The testicle festival is in its 28th year, although its only the second year the event will be hosted at Parkside Pub. When business partners Weishaar and Jeff Lovell took over the bar, they knew they'd continue the ritual, which is put together by the efforts of nearly 200 volunteers.
"We always knew we'd keep it going," Weishaar said. "It's tradition."
About 4,000 people, most of whom try the unusual treat, are expected to stop in during the daylong event, which is one Huntley's signature gatherings.
Visitors come from surrounding towns, Rockford, Chicago and as far away as California, Florida and Texas. Many make the festival an annual stop, Weishaar said.
Getting over the suspense and initial shock is the hardest part, he said.
"If you actually get it out of your mind, what you're trying to eat, it's not that bad," he said. "All I can say is have a few drinks and enjoy."
Depending on preference, some festival-goers use Tabasco sauce or ranch dressing for flavor.
Even with added seasoning, the notorious nuts aren't for everyone.
Italian beef and sausage, and Rosati's pizza is on hand for those who aren't willing to try the main dish.
More than the food and drinks, Weishaar said the gathering, which has become a tourist attraction of sorts, brings out people who want to enjoy each other's company before the holiday weekend.
The event costs $10 and raises money for local organizations, including the Huntley Jaycees, Huntley Junior Wrestling and Huntley Youth Football. Food and drink purchases are separate from the admission price.
"People come because they love it," he said. "It gets bigger and bigger every year."
For more information, including the band line-up, transportation routes and parking details, go to parksidepubhuntley.com.
