Business & Tech

Folks From Near and Far Flocking to 29th Annual Turkey Testicle Festival

The testicles are frying, refreshments are flowing and the bands have started to play at the 29th annual Turkey Testicle Festival at Parkside Pub.

The smell of fried turkey testicles already is wafting in the air on Huntley's Main Steet.

The party has started, and Patch.com reporters were among the first attendees walking through the doors at the 29th annual Turkey Testicle Festival at , 11721 E. Main St.

Scores of guests already were chomping down freshly fried turkey testicles and refreshments, while laughing with friends and listening to the live music of Hair Daze. Whether it was the turkey delicacies or the approaching holiday that had everyone in good spirits could not be determined.

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Perhaps it was both.

Already on the scene: state Rep. Mike Tryon, whose district encompasses two-thirds of Huntley residences and his campaign manager Cheryl Meyer. Tryon said he's made a tradition of turning out for the festival, although he prefers the Italian beef to the testicles.

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“I ate my first turkey testicle my first time here back in 2004, and I figure that dose lasts me a lifetime,” Tryon said. “Coming here is kind of like a ritual. We come here every year, and I get a chance to talk to people. It’s actually the time when we’re passing out petitions for the upcoming election, too.”

co-owner Jeff Lovell said his staff of nearly 200 workers is ready for this year’s crowd, which Lovell is expecting to surpass last year’s record-setting attendance of 4,200 people.

Several local service organizations also are on the scene – such as the Huntley Jaycees and Huntley Lions Club – raising money for local charities.

To accommodate the crowds, has erected two party tents, one measures 40 by 100 feet, the larger is 60 by 150 feet, Lovell said. On top of that, the sunny skies and balmy temperatures seemed to be drawing folks in quickly.

“Everything’s going very well,” Lovell said. “This is the best weather we’ve had in years. Our tents can hold a capacity of 2,200 people at one time.”

Lovell said guests tend to flock to the festival later in the day. During past years, the event has experienced half-hour-long waiting lines filled with attendees ready to taste their first turkey testicles.   

The Turkey Testicle Festival runs until midnight tonight.

More details about the festivities is available in previously posted Patch.com stories.

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