The Testicle Festival

Originally, I was going to discuss the recent Testicle Festival in Oakdale, California, which was held March 30, 2009. This unusual event is a fundraiser for the Oakland Cowboy Museum. Diners pay $ 50.00 apiece for a sit down meal consisting of.....testicles. Namely, testicles that once belonged to bulls. Locals refer to this delectable delight as "mountain oysters".

The idea of a Testicle Festival intrigued me. I thought it sounded like an odd, but very unique, idea. Turns out, what I thought was an unusual idea is much more common than I realized. Testicle Festivals appear to be a popular fundraising venue.

In Huntley, Illinois, they too host a Testicle Festival, although the testicles on this menu are from turkeys. For a low $ 10.00 admission, diners can feast on deep fried turkey testicles and socialize with family and friends. Diners must be 21 years of age, as the festival is held inside a local pub. I'm willing to bet alcohol makes testicle consumption A LOT easier. Souvenirs, such as t-shirts and hats are sold for a price. This festival, too, is a fundraising event.

Clinton, Montana will be hosting their 27th annual Testicle Festival, called "The Testy Fest" July 29 - August 29, 2009. It is reported that in one year alone the festival brought in an estimated 10,000 guests! The event is held at the Rock Creek Lodge Restaurant, and is for those 21 years of age or older.

YEE HAW! During the 17^th annual Texas Testicle Festival, held in March 2009, diners enjoyed calf fries (fried calf testicles), along with an assortment of other available foods. All proceeds benefit Cal Farley's Boys Ranch.

Bull testicles are popular at these festivals because on cattle ranches, it is common practice to castrate young males. Castration is said to make the bull more docile and easier to handle. Throwing a festival with the removed testicles just makes sense. Doesn't it?

The best part about a good old fashioned Testicle Festival are the popular motto's used to lure people in. The humorous saying include things like:

- "Everyone who buys a ticket is guaranteed to "have a ball."

- "SO GRAB A FRIEND THAT'S NEVER BEEN, ENJOY A COLD BREW, GREAT MUSIC, AND HOT NUTS!"

- "I had a ball at the Testicle Festival."

Personally, I think they should prepare them cajun style and call them "great balls of fire". Just a thought.

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SOURCE:

http://www.huntleyblog.com/huntley-turkey-testicle-festival.html

http://www.testyfesty.com/

http://www.jacksonvilleprogress.com/homepage/local_story_067224853.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090328/ap_on_fe_st/odd_testicle_festival