I had a buddy that had a liking for free thinkers and exhibitionists. Our small group of friends made the annual summertime migration to the middle-of-nowhere Montana for the weekend of very little inhibitions, gnarly bikers, retired dentists and mayoral candidates. You cant anticipate what you will experience during the delightful testicle festival weekender in August. You havent lived life until you've camped for the weekend and enjoyed a gathering of open mined folks! When i say open minded I dont mean gay sex or guns & dope, I mean this wacky weekend is one of the most eclectic gatherings of people in the Northwest. Hippies, businessmen, strippers, college kids, Buddhists, nudists, you name it and theres a group of them at this party. I attended for three years in succession from 2008-2011ish. Im not gonna lie, as the memories are a bit blurry.
The Lodge: a dive bar of epic size, its attached to a kitchen, gift shop, casino machines and whatever else you could imagine. During the week its damn near empty, theres a few patrons and thats about it. During the testyfest weekend the bar is standing room only. The joint is old, rustic biker/motor lodge. It looks a bit sketchy but its just Montana--well weathered and of sturdy build!
The food: BALLS! This place is well-known for its ample heaping of sliced, breaded bulls nuts. They serve them deep fried with a side of cocktail sauce for dipping. I'd be lying if I said I hadnt tried the nuts, they taste a lot like chicken gizzards--theres a "chew" that never lets you forget what you have managed to put inside your mouth. Tasty bits of love!
The camping during the TestyFest: The earlier the better if you want select camp sites close walking distance to the party area. If you happen to roll in the day before the party starts (ie; thursday) the preferred spots will have been consumed by the regulars and people knowing how lousy that walk is while heavily intoxicated or sleepy :) The separate camping area is a connected to an air field and its across the road and its a trek for the fatter folks! The sites are unmarked, its pretty much you come into the field and park your vehicle and your space is what you carve out for yourself--being mindful that the camp area becomes well populated on Friday & Saturday nights. I packed in bottled water, and toiletries as the sh**houses are intense after a Friday night traffic jam. Its loud, its a big ass block party--dont bring children, no animals, etc.
The entertainment: Lots of people watching occurs during the festival. A fair amount of nudity occurs and frankly used to be encouraged along with public viewing pleasures for those inclined to witness. Nowadays the new bar owner and organizer tries to keep the public sexytime on the downlow. read more