Hemingway Hopefuls To Vie For 2008 Look-Alike Title In Key West

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — For most people, putting on a sweater is a simple response to a chill. But for scores of men in Key West each July, donning a cream-colored wool fisherman’s sweater could be the key to victory in Sloppy Joe’s “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest.

Set for Thursday through Saturday, July 17-19, the 2008 contest is expected to attract as many as 150 stocky, bearded contestants to Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., author Ernest Hemingway’s favorite watering hole when he lived and wrote in Key West throughout the 1930s.

Entrants from as far away as Australia and Kazakhstan dress in safari togs, wool fisherman’s turtlenecks and other garb associated with the Pulitzer and Nobel winner’s “Papa” persona. Some are longtime repeat contenders, swaggering or shy as they attempt to convince a judging panel of past contest winners that they deserve the coveted title of “Papa.”

The quirky competition is a highlight of the island city’s annual Hemingway Days celebration that honors the author’s literary achievements and larger-than-life legacy.

Judges are to include 2007 winner Larry Austin, an insurance agent from Palm Harbor, Fla. Austin, who beat 122 other candidates to win the title on his 10th attempt, credited his victory to “wearing down the judges” and strong support from his fans.

Though he bears a great physical resemblance to one of America’s most iconic authors, Austin has never tried his hand at writing. Instead, he shares Hemingway’s fondness for cats, cocktails and Key West.

Austin and his fellow judges are to preside over the 2008 competition beginning with preliminary rounds at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 17 and 18. They are to choose the newest “Papa” during a final round set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19.

Just before Thursday night’s preliminary round, the Hemingway Look-Alike Society plans to present a number of scholarships to Florida Keys students interested in writing, journalism and nursing. Established in 2000, the scholarship program is funded primarily by contributions from “Papas” and their supporters.

In addition to the contest, look-alikes are to take part in a variety of other Hemingway Days events. Among them is an evening welcome party on Wednesday, July 16, at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Hemingway fans are invited to meet the prospective “Papas” as well as the bearded brotherhood of previous contest winners.

Aspiring Ernests are to prove that their affinity for the author is “no bull” during Sloppy Joe’s “Running of the Bulls,” a lighthearted salute to the famed annual run in Pamplona, Spain. Though it features manmade pseudo-steers instead of the real thing, the sporting spoof typically draws large and enthusiastic crowds. The event is slated for 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19, outside Sloppy Joe’s.

Before the run, from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, the look-alikes plan to be available for photos on Greene Street outside Sloppy Joe’s. Afterwards, they are to host an early “birthday party” outside the bar to celebrate the July 21 anniversary of Hemingway’s 1899 birth.

Many “Papas” test their strength in another Sloppy Joe’s event: an annual arm-wrestling challenge. The contest is set to begin with a noon registration on Sunday, July 20. Prizes await winners in multiple categories.

The look-alikes also are to participate in an offbeat hand-line fishing challenge, raise money for their scholarship fund and make guest appearances at activities throughout the festival.

For information about Sloppy Joe’s “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest and other look-alike events, visit www.sloppyjoes.com For more Hemingway Days information, visit www.hemingwaydays.net

For lodging information in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539), or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com

May 30, 2008   Posted in: United States SouthEast