From 1982 to 2017, the small town of Clinton, Montana, became famous for hosting one of the most unusual and wild festivals in the United States—the Testicle Festival, affectionately known as "Testy Fest." The festival centered around the consumption of "Rocky Mountain oysters," a culinary term for bull testicles, which were prepared in a variety of ways to delight the adventurous eater. Over the years, the event grew in popularity, drawing thousands of attendees eager to partake in this unique culinary experience. The festival was not only about eating; it featured a wide array of bizarre and comedic events. Highlights included contests like "Mr. Fun Buns" and "Itty Bitty Titty," along with wet t-shirt competitions, oil wrestling, and even a hairy chest contest. These events were all in good fun and contributed to the light-hearted, festive atmosphere of the gathering.
While the festival celebrated the unusual dish with gusto, it also brought a significant economic boost to the local area, with many local businesses and vendors benefiting from the influx of visitors. However, despite its popularity and the attention it brought to Clinton, the Testicle Festival came to an end in 2017. Organizers cited several reasons for discontinuation, including increasing costs and concerns related to safety and liability following incidences of violence and alcohol-related accidents in later years. The ending of Testy Fest marked the close of an eccentric chapter in Montana’s festival scene, but it remains a topic of fond memories and humorous stories among those who experienced its quirky charm.
