
KEY WEST, Fla. — About 135 bearded men who look uncannily like Ernest Hemingway are gathered in Key West, the late author’s home during the 1930s, to compete in the 43rd annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest that began Thursday night.
The look-alike challenge is a highlight of the island’s Hemingway Days festival, saluting the writing talent and adventurous life of the American literary giant. This year’s festival has added meaning by marking the 125th anniversary of Hemingway’s birth.
During his Key West years, Hemingway penned classics including “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “To Have and Have Not.”
The three-night competition takes place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where Ernest enjoyed sharing cocktails and camaraderie with friends.
Entrants in Thursday’s preliminary round included Bat Masterson, a Daytona Beach, Florida, resident who has made the semi-finals for the last three years and will have the same opportunity this year. Closely observed by the judging panel of previous winners, including 2023’s Gerrit Marshall, Masterson and other hopefuls took turns parading across Sloppy Joe’s stage.
Many look-alikes are repeat contenders who bring their own cheering sections — including some who have been competing for decades. Most attempt to copy the burly “Papa” persona and sportsmanlike appearance adopted by Hemingway in his later years.
The contest’s second preliminary round is set for Friday and the 2024 winner is to be chosen Saturday night.
Hemingway Days continues through Sunday, July 21, which is Ernest’s birthday. Festival events include a quirky “Running of the Bulls” spoof, a Sunday “birthday bash” at Sloppy Joe’s, and the Key West Marlin Tournament that recalls Hemingway’s passion for Florida Keys fishing.
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