When it comes to the holiday bird, most people divide neatly into three camps. There’s the white meat contingent. There’s the dark meat contingent. And, of course, there’s the small-but-faithful camp of devotees to what are commonly called the giblets.
But folks in the small burg of Huntley in northwestern McHenry County have discovered another, all-but-overlooked part of the bird. Make that parts. OK, we’re talking turkey testicles here, people.
This will be the 24th consecutive year that folks from around the state (and the country) have gathered on the day before Thanksgiving at Parkside Pub for the annual Turkey Testicle Festival. The fest has even received national attention from “The Conan O’Brien Show” and ESPN.
There’s a $10 entrance fee, and four bucks buys you a dozen or so of the fried suckers, which are about the size of and consistency of small oysters. Profits are divided among several local charities. Last year, 5,000 people consumed 1,200 pounds of fried Tom testes. Don’t worry: There’s plenty of beer on hand to help you wash ’em down.
Turkey Testicle Festival: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.Nov. 22,Parkside Pub. 11721 E. Main St. Huntley.
847-669-8496.
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