Local Lookalikes Run With the Hemingways

“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 41^st 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.

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.