Hemingway Look-Alikes to Vie for Title in Key West Contest

KEY WEST, Fla. — It helps to have a ruddy complexion, a beard, a stocky build or any other attribute that increases a resemblance to literary legend Ernest Hemingway. Thursday through Sunday, July 18-21, as many as 150 “Ernest” competitors and their fans are expected in Key West for the 43rd annual Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest and the 125th anniversary of the late author’s birth.

The look-alike challenge is a highlight of the island city’s July 16-21 Hemingway Days celebration, created to salute the writing talent and adventurous life of the world-renowned author who lived and wrote in Key West during the 1930s. It takes place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., where Hemingway enjoyed sharing cocktails and camaraderie with friends.

Entrants come from around the U.S. and other countries to vie for the look-alike title. Many are repeat contenders who bring their own cheering sections, and most attempt to copy the “Papa” persona and appearance adopted by Hemingway in his later years. 

Preliminary rounds are set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 18 and 19, with the finals at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20. Previous contest winners, including 2023’s Gerrit Marshall of Madison, Wisconsin, are to judge the Hemingway hopefuls. 

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 on wheels. Preceded by a photo opportunity for “Papa-razzi” at noon, the extravaganza begins at 1 p.m. Saturday on Greene Street outside Sloppy Joe’s. 

The bearded brethren plan to gather Sunday at Sloppy Joe’s for the Papa Birthday Bash commemorating the 125th anniversary of Hemingway’s July 21 birth. The fun begins at 9 a.m. with opportunities to take photos with the brand-new “Papa 2024,” and includes a themed birthday cake at noon.  

Also scheduled is a Wednesday evening welcome party for contestants and their fans, as well as the Hemingway Look-Alike Society’s Thursday evening scholarship presentations to Florida Keys students. Established in 2000, the scholarship program is supported by fundraising efforts by the “Papas” and their followers.

While living in Key West, Hemingway wrote literary classics including “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” and “To Have and Have Not,” a novel set primarily in the island city.

Event information: keywestlookalikes.com and hemingwaydays.net