31st ANNUAL HEMINGWAY DAYS SET FOR JULY 19-24, 2011

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — 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 19-24, 2011, during the annual Hemingway Days celebration.

Scheduled events include a look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded men resembling Hemingway, readings and book signings by nationally acclaimed authors, an awards ceremony for the renowned literary competition directed by author and Hemingway granddaughter Lorian Hemingway, a commemoration of the 112th anniversary of Ernest's July 21 birth, a one-man play exploring the literary legend's life and motivations, 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.

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Photos by Andy Newman, Florida Keys News Bureau

Charles Bicht, middle, of Vero Beach, Fla., is congratulated by previous winners of the annual "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe's Bar late Saturday, July 24, 2010, in Key West, Fla. The victory came after 11 previous attempts.

Hemingway Days 2011

Previous winners of the "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, including Fred Johnson, front left, and Denny Woods, front right, intently watch 2010 finalists on July 24, 2010, at Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West, Fla.

Finalists in the 2010 "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike contest, including from left, Michael Morrow of Greenwood, Mo.; Matt Gineo of Jensen Beach, Fla.; Denis Golden of Rockford, Mass.; Charles Bicht of Vero Beach, Fla., and Tom Mitchell of Rock Hill, S.C., try to impress the judges.

Ernest Hemingway look-alikes ride and push fake bulls on July 24, 2010, to begin the annual "Running of the Bulls," outside Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West, Fla. The wacky event is a whimsical answer to the event of the same name in Pamplona, Spain.

Charles Bicht, right, winner of the 2010 "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, gets a congratulatory smooch from 2009 winner David Douglas, left, in front of Sloppy Joe's Bar.

At left: Charles Bicht of Vero Beach, Fla., caresses a cat at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West. Bicht was the 2010 winner of Key West's annual "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike contest at Sloppy Joe's Bar, a facet of the island city's annual Hemingway Days celebration.

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For high-resolution photos of Hemingway Days for media use, click here.

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