“He was an amazing character,” said Filip, whose strong resemblance earned him a semi-finalist spot in this year’s competition. “We celebrate his work of course, but he was a uniquely American figure who served in World War I and subsequently experienced adventures that most of us can only dream about.”

Hemingway’s legendary Key West hangout, Sloppy Joe’s bar, is the event headquarters, but everyone spills into the streets in the recreation of Pamplona’s famous Running of the Bulls. And there are contests for short-story telling, arm-wrestling, fishing, yo-yo-ing, and other activities enjoyed by the late novelist.

The Hemingway Look-Alike Society provides local college scholarships to deserving students, and raised $23,000 this past year towards a permanent endowment fund to provide student assistance for years to come.

Click Here for 2012 Event Schedule & Information.