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Texan wins Hemingway look-alike contest

Associated Press

David Douglas, center, beams after winning the 2009 "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike contest late Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Sloppy Joe's Bar in Key West, Fla. Douglas, a 55-year-old Cypress, Texas, mechanical contractor, won the contest that chooses the man that best emulates Ernest Hemingway.

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Associated Press

Published: July 26, 2009

Updated: 07/27/2009 11:09 am

KEY WEST - A white-bearded 55-year-old Texan has won the 2009 "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest in this island city.

David Douglas of Cypress bested 139 other look-alikes in the competition, a highlight of the annual Hemingway Days celebration honoring the legendary author who lived and wrote here throughout the 1930s.

Look-alike hopefuls paraded across the stage at Sloppy Joe's Bar, the writer's favorite Key West watering hole. Judged by a panel of former winners, 30 prospective "Papas" made Saturday night's finals.

Douglas said he shares Hemingway's fondness for fishing and cocktails, though he limits his writing to checks and text messages.

Hemingway Days began July 21, the 110th anniversary of the author's birth, and ends Sunday. Other events included a short story writing competition and a fishing tournament.

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