Wisconsin Man Wins Hemingway Look-alike Contest
On the occasion of his 68th birthday, Gerrit Marshall, a retired television broadcast engineer from Madison, Wisconsin, emerged victorious in the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest held in Key West, Florida. The contest, which is a highlight of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days celebration, took place at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a popular destination for Ernest Hemingway during his years in Key West in the 1930s. Marshall expressed his delight, stating that this was the best birthday he had ever experienced. It is worth noting that Marshall’s birthday coincides with the July 21 anniversary of Hemingway’s birth.
This triumph came after Marshall’s persistent efforts, as it was his 11th attempt in the contest. He managed to surpass nearly 140 other participants, who showcased their sportsman’s attire and attempted to emulate the rugged persona and demeanor of the renowned author. The contestants paraded on the stage at Sloppy Joe’s, captivating the judging panel who were previous winners of the contest.
Marshall, in addition to his physical resemblance to Hemingway, also shares several other traits, both in terms of personal interests and writing abilities. Like the iconic author, Marshall has a profound love for the outdoors, particularly fishing. He has enjoyed fruitful angling outings in Wisconsin’s waters, reeling in walleye and northern pike, as well as venturing into the Florida Keys for tarpon fishing. However, Marshall humorously admitted that he falls short in matching Hemingway’s record of four marriages, as he has been content with a single wife, remarking that one is all he needs.
Beyond the contest and the various festivities, Hemingway Look-Alike Society president, David Douglas, emphasized the society’s dedication to supporting the academic pursuits of students in the Keys. Douglas estimated that the 2023 festival successfully raised close to $125,000 in scholarship funds.
Hemingway Days serves as a tribute to the vibrant lifestyle and enduring literary legacy of Ernest Hemingway. The Nobel Prize-winning author, renowned for his masterpieces such as “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “To Have and Have Not,” resided in Key West from 1931 until late 1939, during which time he left an indelible mark on the island.
