A Syracuse staple of the fall months – one that quite literally takes balls to undertake – is returning after a one-year absence.
Riley’s, a local restaurant and tavern, is bringing back its Testicle Festival.
“I’m happy to say – the balls are back,” owner Terry Riley said this week, according to Syracuse.com.
The 2022 fest had to be canceled because of lingering supply-chain issues related to the COVID pandemic that kept Riley’s from getting its annual shipment of Catskills-sourced testes, forcing a three-decade long tradition into a one-year hiatus.
Riley’s breads and deep-fries the testicles it serves up with a side of ranch dressing, and during the festival, the appetizer – normally priced at $3 for a plate of three – is free for customers.
A usual festival features all manner of balls: beef, pork, sheep and turkey testicles are usually up for grabs. This year though, only buffalo balls are on the menu, though more traditional meatballs made of beef, pork or chicken can also be subbed in.
If you’re in the Syracuse area and feel like getting nuts, the festival runs through the end of October.