Man, oh man! It’s that time of the year where a bunch of scruffy dudes sporting big bushy beards, high and tight haircuts, and wrinkled button-down shirts gather in the sun-kissed paradise of Key West, Florida. No, it’s not a meeting of lumberjacks or wilderness survivalists. It is the annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest!
It’s as if the ghost of Ernest Hemingway himself appeared on Hemingway Lane and summoned all the bearded dudes from around the world to pay homage to his literary greatness. Or perhaps, it’s a giant marketing gimmick by the Florida tourism board to attract more tourists to the state.
Whatever the reason, close to 140 bearded men have descended upon the city, hoping to be crowned as the ultimate Ernest Hemingway doppelganger. They have come from all over the country, and some from as far as Australia, in search of glory, fame, and free drinks.
The competition kicked off on Thursday evening, and the standard was exceptionally high this year. The judges have their work cut out for them, as they scrutinize the contestants’ facial hair, fashion sense, and the ability to hold their liquor like a literary legend.
It is no surprise that the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest has become a highlight of the city’s social calendar. After all, who wouldn’t want to party with a bunch of old men in khaki shorts and loafers? The festivities include a Hemingway look-a-like parade, a fishing tournament, and even a “running of the bulls” (no actual bulls involved, don’t worry). And of course, plenty of rum and daiquiris to keep the party going.
Despite the fun and frolics, some critics have criticized the contest as being an outdated and sexist celebration of a “toxic masculinity” icon. They argue that the contest perpetuates the myth of the macho man, glorifies excessive drinking, and ignores Hemingway’s problematic views on race and gender.
Supporters of the contest argue that it is simply a harmless way to celebrate an iconic writer and his legacy. They point out that Hemingway’s work is still widely read and studied, and that his influence is still felt in literature and culture today.
Regardless of the criticism, the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest continues to draw crowds and generate headlines. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the writer, and the enduring allure of a big, bushy beard.
So, raise a glass of rum in honor of Ernest Hemingway, and the bearded bros who keep his legacy alive. May the best look-a-like win, and may the party go on all night long. Just don’t try to outdrink Papa, or you might regret it in the morning.
