For some 160 stocky, bearded men who gather in Key West in mid-July, donning a sweater won\u2019t be just a fashion statement or reaction to an ocean breeze.<\/p>\n
Wearing a cream-colored fisherman\u2019s sweater could mean the difference between victory and defeat in Sloppy Joe\u2019s 45th annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest.<\/p>\n
The highlight of Key West\u2019s annual Hemingway celebration, the contest takes place at Sloppy Joe\u2019s Bar, 201 Duval St., Ernest Hemingway\u2019s frequent hangout when he lived and wrote on the island during the 1930s.<\/p>\n
Spectators can cheer for their favorite competitors during nightly rounds Thursday through Saturday, July 23-25, at Sloppy Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n
As well as the contest, the Hemingway festival features six days of activities recalling Key West\u2019s most famous literary resident. The festival salutes the writing talent, sporting pursuits and colorful lifestyle of the American author who won both Pulitzer and Nobel prizes.<\/p>\n
Past look-alike entrants have come from around the U.S. and as far away as Australia and Kazakhstan to compete in the quirky contest \u2014 dressing in safari garb, wool fisherman\u2019s turtlenecks and other attire associated with the \u201cPapa\u201d persona adopted by Hemingway in his later years. Many are repeat contenders, and most bring groups of supporters who lobby loudly for their victory.<\/p>\n
Preliminary rounds are set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 23-24, with the finals at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The contest is judged by former winners including 2025\u2019s Tim Stockwell of Key West \u2014 who, like the author he resembles, pursues an adventure-filled life.<\/p>\n
The contest is much more than a lighthearted gathering. The Hemingway Look-Alike Society, formed by winners and competitors, works year-round to raise money for scholarships for students attending the College of the Florida Keys. To date, the society has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships. Additional grants are given to Keys nonprofits.<\/p>\n
The look-alikes also take center stage during other festival activities \u2014 including Sloppy Joe\u2019s \u201cRunning of the Bulls,\u201d a spoof of the renowned annual run in Pamplona, Spain. More like a stroll than a sprint, the offbeat event features manmade bulls on wheels and begins at 1 p.m. Saturday outside Sloppy Joe\u2019s. It is preceded by the noontime \u201cPhotos with Papas\u201d opportunity.<\/p>\n
Events also include a Wednesday evening meet-and-greet where look-alikes mingle with fans, and Friday\u2019s fun-filled dockside \u201cfish-off\u201d using traditional handlines. On Sunday, Hemingway fans can join the look-alikes at Sloppy Joe\u2019s for a belated \u201cbirthday bash\u201d commemorating the 127th anniversary of Hemingway\u2019s July 21 birth.<\/p>\n
During his 1930s residence in Key West, the renowned author wrote \u201cFor Whom the Bell Tolls,\u201d \u201cThe Snows of Kilimanjaro\u201d and \u201cTo Have and Have Not\u201d among other literary classics.<\/p>\n
The Hemingway Look-Alike Contest and festival is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For further details and a full event schedule, visit www.keywestlookalikes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Hemingway Look-Alike Contest and Festival is presented in part by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For further details and a full event schedule, visit www.keywestlookalikes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n