7/21/2011 - 7/23/2011 Sloppy Joe's "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest

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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Each July, the island where Ernest Hemingway lived throughout the 1930s welcomes approximately 125 stocky, white-bearded aspiring "Ernests" to compete in Sloppy Joe's "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest.

Set for Thursday through Saturday, July 21-23, the contest takes place at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St., where Ernest Hemingway often enjoyed cocktails with cohorts. The event is a highlight of the annual Hemingway Days celebration of the legendary author's literary prowess and colorful lifestyle.

Look-alike contestants come from around the United States and international locales to vie for the title of "Papa." Most dress in khaki safari garb or wool fishermen's sweaters reminiscent of Ernest's attire.

Preliminary rounds are set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 21 and 22, with the finals at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Previous contest winners, including 2010's Charles Bicht of Vero Beach, Fla., and honorary judge Cristen Hemingway Jaynes are to judge the Hemingway hopefuls.

Before Thursday's preliminary round, the "Papas" are to celebrate the 112th anniversary of Hemingway's July 21 birth and announce the recipients of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society's scholarships.

Other look-alike highlights include Sloppy Joe's "Running of the Bulls," inspired by the world-renowned event in Pamplona, Spain, but featuring man-made bulls. Preceded by a photo opportunity for "Papa-razzi" at noon, the extravaganza begins at 1 p.m. Saturday outside Sloppy Joe's.

In addition, the bearded brethren stage a Wednesday evening welcome party for contestants and fans at the Doubletree Grand Key Resort, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd., and a catch-and release "fish-off" with traditional handlines Friday, July 22, dockside at the Conch Republic Seafood Co. at 631 Greene St.

Many "Papas" also prove their strength in Sloppy Joe's annual arm-wrestling championship. Registration is set for noon Sunday, July 24, with the contest following at 12:30 p.m.

 

Event information: www.sloppyjoes.com and www.hemingwaydays.net
Key West visitor information: 1-800-LAST-KEY or www.fla-keys.com/keywest
Social: Facebook • Twitter • YouTube

 

http://www.fla-keys.com - Visit DolphinsMotel.com

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Jennifer Thompson

Orlando, FL

July 25th. 2011

Hi Steve and Tammi, My husband and I would like to say that our stay was awesome. We really enjoyed ourselves. Being close to the Dolphin Research Center (DRC) where our daughter was staying made it all that much better. Whether we were swimming in the pool or fishing off the jetty it was very relaxing and peaceful. The room was very spacious and clean. It is very nice to have everything included in the stay. We both look forward to another stay next year. We recommend the Dolphins Motel to everyone. Steve and Tammi thank you again for an enjoyable stay and look forward to next year and maybe longer than a week!!! Eric and Jennifer Thompson of Orlando!
 

The Vaugn Family - Lake Placid, FL

June 5th 2011

We just wanted to send you a short note to let you know that we all had a wonderful 10 day vacation at the Dolphin Motel. All 3 rooms were fully equipped with everything we needed to make our stay as comfortable as possible. The pool, boat basin, fish cleaning area and the jetty were all fantastic. The children and the adults for that matter, really enjoyed fishing and catching a variety of fish on the jetty. I would recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy a few days or an extended stay getaway to go to the Dolphin Motel on Grassy Key.

Until we can do it again,

Thank You,

The Vaughn's
 

Hada Herring - Homestead, FL

July 24th 2010

Dolphins Motel is the place to stay at when down in the Florida Keys! I had the amazing opportunity this summer to intern as a Marine Mammal Trainer at The Dolphin Connection at Hawks Cay Resort. The Dolphins Motel was only 5 minutes from my internship and for those interested in interning at The Dolphin Research Center; well you need only to cross the street to get there! Each studio apartment has its unique island décor and offers the convenience of wireless internet, full kitchen (plus an outside grill!), sofa-bed for guests, and more! What sold me was, without the doubt, being just footsteps away from the ocean. Almost as amazing as working with Bottlenose Dolphins everyday was coming home from my internship and snorkeling right by the jetty with my intern friend. At night one could go out and watch the red-orange moon rise up. For all you animal lovers, I have seen Juvenile Nurse Sharks, Atlantic Sting Rays, Annulated Seahare, Horseshoe Crabs, Great White  Herons, Ospreys, and much more! If the ocean is not for you, don’t fret because Dolphins Motel also offers a wonderful pool that is perfect for relaxing in the sun.  However, what makes Dolphins Motel stand out the most was having such amazing landlords. There always available for any questions or concerns; extremely approachable individuals and are honestly wanting to provide their customers with the best Keys experience.  Not only were they my landlords but they eventually became friends. Tami and Steve represent what the Keys is all about: making friends, having fun, and just living life :O) If you find yourself wanting to escape, to enjoy island life, good people, good food, all around good, make sure to stay at the Dolphins Motel!
 

May Rogers - North Carolina

July 24th 2010

I was Thrilled and sad to hear that Steve and Tammy started a web-site. Their motel units have been "MY HIDDEN SECRET" for the past 4 years now! My husband and I enjoy the old Florida Charm of the motel along with the jetty and great pool. It is close enough to town for all our shopping..and a 1 hour drive to Key West. We are very delighted to be apart of the testimonial( as long as you still have an opening for us!!) :O).

Best Wishes...May R Haysville,N.C.
 

Michael K - Hamden, CT

July 12th 2010

Steve & Tami run the best value in vacation rentals in the Florida Keys. I just spent three weeks at the Dolphins Motel in Grassy Key; one of the "Islands of Marathon" the heart of the keys at mile marker 59. This place is so peaceful and serene, it is a fantastic getaway. Easy access to everything the Florida Keys has to offer. If I wasn't fishing, snorkeling, or at the beach; I was partying on Duval street in Key West, or eating at one of the many excellent restaurants close by like Sparky's Landing or Cabana Breezes. Be sure to try the highly recomended service called "Try Charter Fishing" if you want some real thrill fishing and like to catch the big fish. Some days I just logged into work from the comfort of the efficiency at the Dolphins Motel via there free high speed wireless Internet connection to Comcast cable, it was as if I was sitting at my desk in Connecticut. This is my second year staying at the Dolphins Motel, and it will not be my last. I hope to get back during lobster season this year, Steve; the owner says he knows all the hot-spots for finding the keeper lobsters and he is a great fisherman and willing to take guests out on his boat if he is going fishing or lobster diving. Steve and Tami, Thanks so much for running such a clean and wonderful vacation rental in the heart of the keys at the best pricing I have ever seen anywhere on the keys. See you again soon.

Your guest and friend Michael
 

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