ODDLY ENOUGH

ODDLY ENOUGH

Turkey Testicle Festival host not ruffled by competing event

EAST DUNDEE, Ill.

The owner of a suburban Chicago pub that has had an annual Turkey Testicle Festival for 32 years isn’t testy at all that a nearby community plans to host its own celebration of the unusual dish this November.

J.R. Westberg, who owns the Parkside Pub in Huntley, told The Daily Herald that his only criticism of East Dundee’s plan for its own event the day before Thanksgiving is the organizers’ lack of originality. They gave it the exact same name and scheduled it for the same date and time.

The Huntley festival often attracts more than 4,000 people to snack on the deep-fried turkey bits, which some attendees consider a “dare food” and prefer doused in ranch dressing or Tabasco sauce.

East Dundee businessman Cliff Surges says there’s enough interest to support both festivals and that the new one will target a different demographic.

Surges hopes to draw 1,000 to 2,000 people to East Dundee’s event, which he says will be “family-oriented.”

Like the Huntley festival, the new one will raise money for charity.

“It’s one of those silly things you can have some fun with and do some good with,” Surges said.

Chestnut far from record, but wins 2015 Slugburger gorgefest

CORINTH, Miss.

Professional glutton Joey Chestnut didn’t get near the Slugburger record, but gulped down 33 buns and deep-fried patties in 10 minutes to win the World Slugburger-Eating Championship and $1,500.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported that the 31-year-old from San Jose, Calif., had hoped to beat his personal record of 42.

The festival record is 43, set last year by 23-year-old Matt Stonie. He beat Chestnut at this year’s July Fourth hot-dog-eating championship in Coney Island, N.Y.

The 28th Main Street Corinth Slugburger Festival ran Thursday through Saturday. The burgers are made of beef and an extender such as soybean meal, and are garnished with mustard, pickle and onion.

Chestnut and Major League Eating emcee Sam Barclay say it’s a great experience of small-town America.

Associated Press