Doubletree Grand Key Resort

Look-Alikes Add Exuberant Energy to Hemingway Days in the Florida Keys

Set for Thursday through Saturday, July 21-23, the contest takes place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., where Ernest Hemingway often enjoyed cocktails with cohorts. The event is a highlight of the annual Hemingway Days celebration of the legendary author’s literary prowess and colorful lifestyle.

Look-alike contestants come from around the United States and international locales to vie for the title of “Papa.” Most dress in khaki safari garb or wool fishermen’s sweaters reminiscent of Ernest’s attire.

Preliminary rounds are set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 21 and 22, with the finals at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Previous contest winners, including 2010’s Charles Bicht of Vero Beach, Fla., and honorary judge Cristen Hemingway Jaynes are to judge the Hemingway hopefuls.

Before Thursday’s preliminary round, the “Papas” are to celebrate the 112th anniversary of Hemingway’s July 21 birth and announce the recipients of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society’s scholarships.

Other look-alike highlights include Sloppy Joe’s “Running of the Bulls,” inspired by the world-renowned event in Pamplona, Spain, but featuring man-made bulls. Preceded by a photo opportunity for “Papa-razzi” at noon, the extravaganza begins at 1 p.m. Saturday outside Sloppy Joe’s.

In addition, the bearded brethren stage a Wednesday evening welcome party for contestants and fans at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd., and a catch-and release “fish-off” with traditional handlines Friday, July 22, dockside at the Conch Republic Seafood Co. at 631 Greene St.

Many ”Papas” also prove their strength in Sloppy Joe’s annual arm-wrestling championship. Registration is set for noon Sunday, July 24, with the contest following at 12:30 p.m.

Hemingway Days Schedule of Events - Finer Gulf Coast Living ...

DAILY Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum guided tours. Visit the home where Hemingway lived throughout the 1930s and wrote some of his most enduring classics. 907 Whitehead St. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info and ticket prices, visit  www.hemingwaydays.net .

DAILY “Hemingway in Key West” museum exhibition. Explore Ernest Hemingway’s life in Key West, fishing adventures and Cuban connection in the 1930s. View rarely exhibited Hemingway photographs and memorabilia, including previously unseen items from the Bruce Family Archive. Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, 281 Front St. Museum hours 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For info and ticket prices, visit  www.kwahs.com .

TUESDAY, JULY 19

5:30 p.m. “The Key West Bucket List” book debut party. Join author David Sloan at The Porch, 429 Caroline St., for the national debut of his volume offering entertaining suggestions for “must-do” activities in Key West and the Keys. Light refreshments will be served. Free admission. For info, visit www.theporchkw.com .

4-6 p.m. Registration for the Key West Marlin Tournament. Anglers compete for $50,000 in guaranteed cash prizes for targeting marlin, spearfish, dolphin, tuna and wahoo. Conch Republic Seafood Co., 631 Greene St. For info, visit  www.keywestmarlin.com .

5:30 p.m. Meet the “Papas.” Get to know the contestants and previous winners of the “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. Attractions include a cash bar and Hemingway-esque hors d’oeuvres. Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd.

6-8 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament captains meeting, auction and raffle. Conch Republic Seafood Co.

8-10 p.m. “Voices, Places, Inspirations.” This evening of readings and presentations features critically acclaimed author Lorian Hemingway, “Crazy in Alabama” author and screenwriter Mark Childress, mystery/nonfiction author and photographer Tom Corcoran and mystery novelist/journalist Michael Haskins. Wyland Galleries of Key West, 623 Duval St. Free admission. For information, visit  www.shortstorycompetition.com or www.wylandkeywest.com .

4 p.m. www.keywestmarlin.com .

9-10:30 a.m. “Coffee and Donuts with the Papas.” Join past Look-Alike Contest winners and current competitors for a lighthearted “coffee break” at Cypress House, a historic inn at 601 Caroline St. Visit  www.cypresshousekw.com .