Inaugural Turkey Festival kicks off in East Dundee

Organizers promised entertainment, food and "great balls of fun" at East Dundee's inaugural Turkey Festival.

The Thanksgiving Eve event, held in front of The Depot on River Street, was originally called the Turkey Testicle Festival before the "testicle" was dropped to make the event more marketable on social media. Its delicacy, however, remained the same.

During the 11-hour event, attendees could sample turkey testicles for $5. Additionally, cooks from Emmett's Brewing Company in West Dundee, Blues BBQ in East Dundee and Randall Roadhouse in Carpentersville competed in a cook-off for the best testicle recipe.

The festival also offered live music, other food, beer and a meat raffle.

When planning began earlier this year, Cliff Surges, a lead organizer, cited a need for a family-friendly fall event in the area. The hope, he said, was that families and individuals could attend the festival, check out the downtown area and head to the local bars afterward.

Setting it apart from another Turkey Testicle Festival in Huntley that has been around for decades, East Dundee's event also served as a fundraiser. The East Dundee Volunteer Firefighters' Association received the proceeds of the meat raffle fundraiser.

Funds raised from the events $5 admission fee are going to the Dundee Foundation.