Ernest Hemingway, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author affectionately referred as Papa Hemingway, called Key West home during the 1930s. Classics the author penned during his stay include The Old Man and The Sea and To Have and Have Not. Celebrating 29 years Hemingway Days 2009 kicks off on July 21, the 110th anniversary of the author’s birth and continues with literary and quirky festivities through July 26.
Quirky Side of Hemingway Days in Key West
White-bearded stocky men wearing wool sweaters are a common sight during the six-day festival. More than 125 men are expected to participate in the Hemingway Look-Alike contest with preliminary rounds taking place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24. The new Papa Hemingway will be announced on Saturday, July 25, also at 6:30 p.m. All look-alike judging takes place at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval Street, a favorite Ernest Hemingway hangout.
The Running of the Bulls is one of those quirky, must-see Key West events which begins at 1 p .m. on Saturday outside Sloppy Joe's. Unlike Pamplona, Spain’s popular running of the bulls, there is no chance of anyone being gored by an ornery bovine. Hemingway Days bulls are crafted from wood and pushed and pulled through a Key West block with festival goers cheering. Arrive early for a photo opportunity with the Papas.
Showing a little muscle, Papa look-alikes and fans will compete in the annual Arm Wrestling Contest taking place at Sloppy Joe's with a noon registration on Sunday, July 26. Men and women are encouraged to show their strength.
Literary Highlights of Hemingway Days in Key West
Enjoy the one-man presentation on Hemingway’s life in "Hemingway on Stage: The Death Factory" playing at the Waterfront Playhouse at Mallory Square on Tuesday, July 21. The play focuses on Hemingway's World War II years. Commemorating Ernest Hemingway’s birth is a birthday party at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Customs House, 281 Front St.
Lorian Hemingway, acclaimed author and granddaughter, will announce the winner of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition at 8 p.m. on Friday at Casa Antigua, Hemingway's first Key West home. The literary competition drew more than 1,000 entries and the first-place entrant will receive $1,000. (314 Simonton St.)
Additional Hemingway Days Festivities
The Key West Marlin Fishing Tournament, 5k Sunset Run, a street fair and art show are some of the other festivities taking place throughout the weekend. Visit the festival's site for a complete schedule.
A Key West visit is complete with a trip to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Take the guided tour and hear entertaining stories about the writer or just wander without a guide. Four-legged residents, the polydactyl cats (six-toed), are descendants of Hemingway's felines and roam and lounge throughout the house and grounds at their leisure. (907 Whitehead St., Adult admission is $12.)
The "Hemingway in Key West" exhibit is on display at the Key West Museum of Art & History at Custom House. The museum is open daily 9:30 to 4:30 p.m. and admission is only $5 during Hemingway Days. There's a great photo opportunity outside next to the bronze, life-size statue of Hemingway.
Where to Stay During Hemingway Days
Rest in Old Town at one of the six inns by Historic Key West Inns (Tel: 305/294-5229). They offer accommodations fitting every travel style and pocketbook with convenient locations.
Hemingway Days is one of the quirky, must-attend festivals every fan of the author and lover of the Keys should experience at least once in a lifetime.
Jennifer Huber - A 20-year veteran of the tourism industry, Jennifer's career path began during college when she followed the hiking path in Yellowstone ...
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