Annual festival celebrates, uh, seldom-eaten turkey parts

It's turkey time again in Huntley … and you know what that means: the 25th annual Turkey Testicle Festival returns on Wednesday to the Parkside Pub.

For a quarter-century, the popular downtown watering hole has hosted this quirky food fest on the day before Thanksgiving, and over the years its reputation has spread.

Now, thousands of funky-food aficionados travel from miles around -- some from out of state -- to sample the hot, tasty "delicacy du jour," says Parkside owner Mark McDonald.

"Last year, we had around 5,000 people and we went through 1,200 pounds (of testicles)," he told me. "This year, I've ordered one more case, and we're hoping to do even better."

The 25th Annual Turkey Testicle Festival starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 1 a.m. "or whenever," McDonald says. Co-sponsored by Budweiser, this year's fest includes all the usual attractions: live music, cold beer, hot food -- and of course, the deep-fried, beer-battered turkey "poppers" that, according to veteran fest-goers, really do taste something like chicken livers. Yummy.

If you're looking for a novel taste treat, you'd better come early because they usually sell out around mid-evening, McDonald says.

"We run out every year, but I don't order a lot more because we don't want none left over," he explained. "We don't get much call for them after that."

Fest admission is $10 per person, limited to those ages 21 and over, and the "house specialty" costs $5 per cup, with take-out available in case you want some the next day for your Thanksgiving table. Wouldn't Grandma just love that?

Of course, it's not all about the food. Other fest attractions include live music throughout the day and a chance to purchase souvenir shirts and caps that are perfect for holiday giving.

The ever-popular Turkey Drop game, played on a giant outdoor game board, lets you place a bet on where the live turkey will drop his "marker." Proceeds from the game go to benefit local Oddfellows clubs.

This year's band lineup includes: The SawDust Symphony a Milwaukee-area bluegrass band, at 2 p.m.; Going South, a southern rock/country band from the Woodstock area, at 5 p.m.; and That 7 Dees Band, which plays Motown and '70s classic hits, at 8 p.m.

"They're a costume band and they dress up in '70s afros, leisure suits and stuff like that," McDonald said. "People like it; they're pretty fun."

Starting at 11 p.m., it's Aunt Janet, a Huntley-area band fronted by lead singer Janet Kay, a former teacher at Leggee Elementary School.

"She can bring the house down," said McDonald, who is a longtime fan. "She's really exciting to watch."

Free shuttle buses will run each half-hour, McDonald said, on school bus routes north and south of Route 47, with an extra stop at Sun City's Prairie Lodge.

"They'll run the same routes as they do when they pick up the kids from school," McDonald said. "Now, they're just going to pick up the parents and get them back home safe."

Parking is also available in several downtown lots staffed by local Lions Club and Jaycees volunteers. Parking fees and door admissions will be donated to area charities, McDonald said.

"Last year, we raised about $30,000 that went to several charities," he told me. "This year, we hope to do as well, or even better."

For more details, call the Parkside Pub at (847) 669-8496 or visit www.turkeytesticle festival.com.

Hit the mall: Huntley's Prime Outlets mall will kick off "Black Friday" -- Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving and the biggest shopping day of the year -- with a special midnight opening event. From 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. (yes, 8 a.m.), participating stores will offer 25 to 50 percent savings along with giveaways, drawings and special promotions.

The mall is at 11800 Factory Shops Blvd. near the intersection of Route 47 and Interstate 90. Information and printable coupons may be found at www.primeoutlets.com, or by calling the mall office at (847) 669-9101.

Santa will be in Huntley for breakfast at 9 a.m. Nov. 24 in the Prime Outlets food court. Kids can eat breakfast with Santa and enjoy holiday arts and crafts. There will be musical entertainment and a goody bag for each child. Tickets are $5 each and are available at the mall's guest services desk. Proceeds benefit St. Mary's Youth Ministries.