Whether composing novels in his Whitehead Street writing studio or fishing for big game in local waters, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway left a powerful legacy in Key West. His zest for life, literary accomplishments and enduring affection for the island he called home throughout the 1930s are to be commemorated Tuesday through Sunday, July 21-26, 2015, during the annual Hemingway Days celebration.
Scheduled events include a look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded men resembling Hemingway, readings and book signings, an awards ceremony for the renowned literary competition directed by author and Hemingway granddaughter Lorian Hemingway, a commemoration of the 116th anniversary of Ernest’s July 21 birth, 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.
During his Key West residence, Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his most enduring works and spent his leisure hours fishing and socializing with local and literary cohorts. Each year, fans of his writing and exuberant lifestyle come together for Hemingway Days.
Here is a list of events:
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.
TUESDAY, JULY 21
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“Following the Fish: Hemingway in Key West” museum exhibition. Explore Ernest Hemingway’s life and fishing adventures in Key West, and view rare photographs and memorabilia. Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Mention Hemingway Days upon entering and receive discounted admission. Exhibition continues throughout Hemingway Days and beyond.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit.
Learn about playwright Tennessee Williams’ longtime residence on the island while exploring his beliefs and legacy. Highlights include personal photographs of Williams at home with his partner and friends, first-edition plays and books, a typewriter he used in Key West and much more. 513 Truman Ave. behind the Key West Business Guild Visitor Center. Free admission; donations accepted. Exhibition continues throughout Hemingway Days and beyond.
5:30 – 7 p.m. “Ernest Hemingway — Angler, Sportsman … Conservationist?”presentation and birthday reception.
Join author Timothy P. O’Brien, Ph.D., at the Custom House Museum as he examines Hemingway’s angling exploits, passion for sportsmanship and activities studying and documenting marine life. The event also features a reception, “Following the Fish” exhibit tour and “birthday party” commemorating the 116th anniversary of Ernest’s July 21 birth. Custom House Museum.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
4 p.m. Final 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.
5:30 p.m. Meet the “Papas.” Get to know the contestants and previous winners of the “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest. Sloppy Joe’s, 201 Duval St.
6-8 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament captains meeting, auction and raffle. Conch Republic Seafood Co.
7:30 – 10 p.m. “Voices, Places, Inspirations.”
This evening of readings and presentations features authors including Chuck Ball, Michael Haskins, Steven Hull, Mandy Miles, Timothy O’Brien and Terry Schmida — plus a special appearance by Lorian Hemingway. Presented by Literacy Volunteers of America-Monroe County, the event also includes a “meet the authors” reception and book signing with books available for purchase. Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa, 601 Front St. Free admission; suggested parking in Mallory Square lot.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament’s first day of fishing.
9 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.
4-6 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament weigh-in. Conch Republic Seafood Co. docks.
5-6:30 p.m. Key West Poetry Guild: “Papa’s Poems.” The Key West Poetry Guild presents a reading of Ernest Hemingway’s poems and guild members’ work. Events take place at Blue Heaven, a site where Hemingway once refereed neighborhood boxing matches. 729 Thomas St. Free admission. For information, email nanboylan@yahoo.com.
6 p.m. Hemingway Look-Alike Society scholarship presentations. The society is to announce the winners of its annual scholarships for Florida Keys students. Onstage at Sloppy Joe’s Bar.
6:30 p.m. Sloppy Joe’s 35th annual “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, first preliminary round, to be judged by former contest winners. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. $35 entry fee. Free to watch.
6:30 – 8 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament cocktail party and island-style pig roast. Festivities are to take place at the Westin Key West Resort & Marina, 245 Front St. Free to tournament participants.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament’s second day of fishing.
1:30 p.m. “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Fish-Off. Cheer your favorites as the “Papas” compete in this dockside catch-and-release challenge using traditional “Cuban yo-yos.” Conch Republic Seafood Co. docks. Free to watch.
4-6 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament weigh-in. Conch Republic Seafood Co. docks.
6:30 – 8 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament dockside cocktail party and fish fry. Conch Republic Seafood Co. Free to tournament participants.
6:30 p.m. Sloppy Joe’s 35th annual “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, second preliminary round, to be judged by former contest winners. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. $35 entry fee. Free to watch.
8 p.m. Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition winners announcement and reception. This literary highlight takes place at Hemingway’s first Key West residence, Casa Antigua. Events include a presentation on Casa Antigua’s history by owner Tom Oosterhoudt and a reading of the winning short story. 314 Simonton St. Free admission.
8:30-11 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament Party with the Bacardi Oakheart Team. Enjoy an exuberant island-style gathering for tournament participants at Key West’s popular Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, 4 Charles St.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament’s third day of fishing.
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Caribbean Street Fair presented by Literacy Volunteers of America-Monroe County. Much of Key West’s famed Duval Street is closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into an open-air island market with arts, crafts, jewelry, tropical clothing and food. For info, email info@lva-monroe.org.
Noon Photos with “Papas.” Hemingway look-alikes provide a photo opportunity for fans. Greene Street outside Sloppy Joe’s.
1 p.m. Running of the Bulls. This wacky event is sponsored by Sloppy Joe’s Bar and features past “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest winners dressed in their Pamplona best — and a breed of “bull” found only in Key West. The fun begins and ends on Greene Street outside Sloppy Joe’s.
3-5 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament weigh-in. Conch Republic Seafood Co. docks.
3-7 p.m. Malibu Rum Hemingway 5k Sunset Run/Walk and Paddleboard Race registration. Register and pick up race packets for the popular run and paddleboard challenge. Southernmost Hotel, 1319 Duval St. $45 adult entry fee for either race; $35 for participants under age 15. For info, visit .
6 p.m. Lazy Dog Paddleboard Race. Competitors follow a 3-mile Atlantic Ocean course that begins and ends at Key West’s Southernmost Beach, 1405 Duval St. on the ocean. Visit website to register.
6:30 p.m. Key West Marlin Tournament awards banquet and silent auction. Cocktails and silent auction are set for 6:30, with the dinner and awards presentations at 7:30. Open to tournament participants and their guests only. Westin Key West Resort & Marina, 245 Front St.
6:30 p.m. Sloppy Joe’s 35th annual “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, final round, to be judged by former contest winners. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. Free to watch.
7:30 p.m. Malibu Rum Hemingway 5k Sunset Run/Walk.
Racers start at the Southernmost Point in the continental United States at Whitehead and South streets, and proceed through Old Town Key West. A post-race awards party is scheduled at the Southernmost Hotel. Register online.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
11 a.m. Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway Days Arm Wrestling Championship.
Registration is set for 11 a.m. and the contest begins at noon. Prizes await male and female winners in multiple weight divisions. Sloppy Joe’s Bar. $5 entry fee; free to watch.
This is a preliminary schedule and is subject to change.
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