Friday, November 11, 2011

Turkey Nuts

Pancake breakfasts? Bake sales? How about a chili cook-off? If you’ve been there and done that than maybe you’ll want to try an event being offered at American Legion Post T.H.B. in Elmhurst.
The post has a new take on some of those stale fundraisers that revolve around food.  With Thanksgiving approaching and a desire to pique peoples’ interest and taste buds with something fairly unique, the post is hosting a Turkey Testicle festival.
“Thanksgiving is coming up and it’s turkey-related,” said Al Bertolani, the post’s finance officer. 
The fundraiser will take place from noon through midnight Saturday at the American Legion post,  Normandy Banquets, 310 W Butterfield Road, Elmhurst. The event, which is geared toward adults, also will feature three bands playing music throughout the day.
The bird appendages are deep fried. Bertolani said some people like them.
“They’re fairly popular,” he said. “They have the consistency of a mushroom, but they taste like turkey.”
People who don’t like to consume the organs will have other options including hamburgers and hot dogs.
The post offered the first Turkey Testicle Festival last year and raised about $2,000. The money goes to support veterans, those currently serving in the armed forces and for community-based projects.
“The money is used for scholarships, to ship packages to service members, and the community,” said Bertolani, adding that the post hopes to exceed the amount of money it raised last year.