Hemingway Days in Key West July 17th – 22nd
July 12th, 2007 Spectators at the final round of the 2006 “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest cheer for their favorite competitor at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West, FL |
Key West, Florida Keys – American literary giant Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West throughout the 1930s, writing some of his most enduring works and embracing the unpretentious island atmosphere. The legacy of the writer whose prose earned Pulitzer and Nobel prizes is to be recognized Tuesday through Sunday, July 17-22, during the annual Hemingway Days celebration.
During his Key West residence, Hemingway wrote in a small studio behind his 907 Whitehead St. home and spent his leisure hours deep-sea fishing and socializing with local and literary cohorts. Fans of his writing and exuberant lifestyle are to come together for Hemingway Days.
Events are to include a look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded Hemingway look-alikes, readings and book signings by nationally acclaimed authors, an awards ceremony that caps a leading American literary competition, a commemoration of the 108th anniversary of Hemingway’s July 21 birth, a one-man play exploring the legendary author’s life and motivations, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a zany “Running of the Bulls” and a three-day marlin tournament recalling Hemingway’s devotion to the deep-sea sport.
The festival’s best-known literary event is the awards reception for the annual Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition. The Key West-based fiction competition, created in 1981 to recognize the talents of emerging writers, is now internationally renowned for its support of quality writing.
Lorian Hemingway, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated author and Ernest Hemingway’s granddaughter, is to announce the victorious writers, introduce the winning story and read from her current work at a literary reception Friday, July 20. The event is to take place at 8 p.m. at Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St., where Ernest Hemingway stayed during his first visit to Key West in 1928.
 Chris Storm, of Amarillo, Texas, poses with his awards after winning the 2006 “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar |
Aficionados of fine writing also can hear authors’ reminiscences and readings during “Voices, Places, Inspirations,” hosted by Lorian Hemingway and set for 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, at Wyland Galleries of Key West, 623 Duval St. Participants are to include celebrated Florida novelist Tom Corcoran, whose Alex Rutledge mysteries paint an evocative and sometimes rueful picture of contemporary Key West.
Those whose resemblance to Hemingway is more visual than literary vie for the coveted title of “Papa” each year during Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. Past contest winners choose the 2007 winner from as many as 150 white-bearded Hemingway hopefuls who come from around the U.S. and even international locales to compete.
The competition is held at Sloppy Joe’s, 201 Duval St., Hemingway’s favorite Key West watering hole. Preliminary rounds are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 19 and 20, with the selection of the proud “Papa” set for Saturday night on the anniversary of Hemingway’s birth.
The “Papa” compadres play a large role in many other festival events, including the unforgettable “Running of the Bulls” that takes place outside Sloppy Joe’s. Scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, the offbeat run pays tribute to Pamplona’s legendary sporting event, though spectators can be assured that no actual bulls stampede through the island city’s streets.
For those who share Hemingway’s passion for marlin fishing, the 2007 Key West Marlin Tournament provides a chance to pursue the magnificent billfish. Anglers also can pursue more than $250,000 in available cash prizes during three days of hard-fought fishing competition. The tournament’s events are slated for Wednesday through Saturday, July 18-21.
 Chris Storm, of Amarillo, Texas, who won the 2006 “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest poses in the study of the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum |
Festival attendees can learn more about Hemingway when actor and playwright Brian Gordon Sinclair performs as the author in a theatrical storytelling evening titled “Hemingway’s Havana.” Each year for the past four, Sinclair has introduced a one-man play from his five-part “Hemingway On Stage” series during the festival. The final segment of “Hemingway On Stage” is to debut in Key West next year.
Like the critically acclaimed series, “Hemingway’s Havana” is based on Sinclair’s research into the author’s life in the United States and abroad. Plans call for the curtain to rise at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, at Key West’s Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St.
In addition, Hemingway fans can visit an ongoing exhibition at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, 281 Front St., showcasing the literary legend’s Key West years. Elements of the unique exhibit include rare family photographs, papers and documents, and memorabilia relating to Hemingway’s personal life in the island city.
Other events during Hemingway Days typically include daily tours of the author’s former Key West home, Sloppy Joe’s Arm Wrestling Contest, a Caribbean street fair, Green Parrot Off-the-Wall Sidewalk Art Show and a 5k sunset run through Old Town Key West.
