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Hemmingway Days in Key West: July 21-26, 2008

Interesting press release here on an Ernest Hemmingway look-alike contest, Sloppy Joe's "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest:

KEY WEST, Florida Keys -- Just as swallows fly to Capistrano each year, stocky white-bearded Ernest Hemingway look-alikes make an annual pilgrimage to Key West. As many as 125 aspiring "Ernests" are expected at the island city to compete in the "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest set for Thursday through Saturday, July 23-25.

The contest takes place at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St., Ernest Hemingway's favorite watering hole when he lived and wrote in Key West throughout the 1930s. Now in its 29th year, the look-alike challenge is a highlight of the annual Hemingway Days festival that celebrates the legendary author's literary achievements and colorful lifestyle.

Look-alike contestants come from throughout the United States -- and some from Europe, South America and other faraway locales -- to vie for the title of "Papa." Most costume themselves in khaki safari outfits or wool fishermen's sweaters, emulating the author's best-known look.

Apparently spectators watch the Hemmingway look-alikes, compete in fishing, arm wrestling, and a "running of the bulls".

Posted by James Trotta at June 12, 2009 1:16 PM