Local Lookalikes Run With the Hemingways

By Kai Rambow

“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.” – Ernest Hemingway

“There might have been some alcohol involved,” recalled Gary Mull.  Mull recently participated in the 41st Hemingway Look Alike contest.  Key West is a favorite destination for residents Janet Wright and Gary Mull.  They have sailed there a few times.  The contest was a great reason for another trip to Key West.

A good friend of Gary’s had been competing for several years. Paul encouraged Gary to grow a beard and enter the competition. Out of 140 contestants, Gary and Paul made the semi-finalist list of 25. The 25 were whittled down to five, and then a winner was selected.

Despite the hot and humid conditions, Key West was sold out. Created by the Hemingway Society, the contest isn’t just a fun event. The contest is used as a fundraiser for scholarships. Originally focused on literary related studies, the Society has put special emphasis on nursing students studying in the Keys.  There is a shortage of qualified health care professionals here. This was inspired by A Farewell to Arms.  This past year, 17 students received scholarships.

SCC resident, Gary Mull, right, participating in Key West’s 41st Hemingway Look Alike contest.

With over 140 contestants, it took two nights at Sloppy Joes to determine the semi-finalists.  Previous winners, called “Papas,” comprise the judges’ panel. Each contestant has 15 seconds to say or do something. Most spoke; a few, like Gary, sang; and one guy blew a conch shell.

“The whole thing was fun. Typically, most people here were interested in Hemingway and his work, so starting conversations was easy,” remembered Gary.  The third night a winner was selected.  A recreation of the running of the bulls was a highlight. Past winners get to ride one of the bulls on wheels in the parade.

TOP PHOTO: A previous winner rides a bull on wheels in downtown Key West.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

March 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

March 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Join the Weavers celebrating Distaff Day, get the latest from the LRPC, SAVE THE DATE for FunFest on March 9, meet the new SCCCA Activities Director, explore the Florida State Fair, fly with some eagles, meet a writer imparting...

February 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

February 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Learn how Tampa General is fighting against human trafficking, put fins up with the Landsharks, see the new Historical Marker, enjoy Coffee and Communication, celebrate a Good Life with Walter, visit Yellowstone in the spring,...

January 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

January 2024 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Celebrate holiday fun in SCC, learn what the LRPC has planned for the new building project, meet the new CA Board members, get to know DOGs and turtles, skate with Disney on Ice, meet South Shore Authors, savor Ruskin seafood,...

December 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

December 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Explore Christmas decorations in SCC, check out the National Lawn Bowling Tournament, meet friends at “Hi, Neighbor!”, read the detailed LRPC Report, commemorate Veterans Day, visit Jurassic Park, beware of scammers, find out why...

November 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

November 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

Discover what the Long Range Planning Committee is working on, find out how folks cruise around SCC, hear from the candidates for CA Board of Directors, ring bells with DAR, support local kids, laugh with the Pelican Players, travel to…

October 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

October 2023 NEWS is HOT off the Press!

In this issue… Save the date for “Hi, Neighbor!”, cruise over to the SouthShore Sportsplex, see why a grant was awarded to the Boys & Girls Club, discover why an SCC woman took TOPS honors, meet an Angel on Earth, enjoy a Dramedy on Aging,...