As Thanksgiving approaches each year, it's also time for turkey testicle festivals that take place throughout the USA and are especially popular in Illinois. 

And why not - after all, turkey testicles are thought to be an aphrodisiac.

The Annual Turkey Testicle Festival in October

The annual Turkey Testicle Festival takes place in both Byron and Huntley, Illinois, just an hour apart and north of Chicago. 

There's also a Testicle Festival at Rock Creek Lodge in Clinton, Montana - however these are bull's testicles that have been filleted and fried in beer batter, known as "Rocky Mountain oysters" or "Montana Tendergroin."

"Let's All Get Nuts" & "Have a Ball" at the Annual Turkey Testicle Festival in Bryon, Illinois

The Annual Turkey Testicle Festival in Byron, Illinois originated in 1978. The event takes place on the second Saturday in October from 11am to 11pm. Balls are served from noon and onward.

Restricted to those 21 and above, a $5 admission fee gets you: karaoke contests, raffle contests and prizes, ice cold beer, live bands and entertainment - and of course - turkey testicles for your eating pleasure.

From hardcore bikers, to families in the area, cowboys and cowgirls and interested tourists, guests come to take part in the festival sponsored by Byron's local bar, Union Street Station, since its beginning in 1978. Proceeds of the festival go to various community organizations and churches like Ogle County Hospice, People Helping People, Make a Wish Foundation, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and Operation Santa Clause.

Another Annual Turkey Testicle Festival in Huntley, Illinois

In Huntley, Illinois, just an hour's ride away from Byron, you'll find another Turkey Testicle Festival taking place at Parkside Pub for the past 25 years. The Huntley festival usually takes place in November, near Thanksgiving - the traditional time of the year for turkey. How fitting! You'll also find turkey trivia and about 1,200 pounds of turkey testicles served every year. The festival raised approximately $30,000 for local charities in 2007.

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