Georgia

White-Bearded Texan Wins Hemingway Look-Alike Contest to Cap Weekend Honoring Author in Key West

Michael Groover, celebrity chef Paula Deen's husband, finished in the top five.

A white-bearded Texan has won the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest in Key West, where Ernest Hemingway lived during the 1930s.

Retired real estate franchise owner Richard Filip of Fayetteville, Texas, prevailed Saturday night at Sloppy Joe's Bar, a longtime Hemingway hangout.

The 71-year-old winner piloted a replica of Hemingway's fishing boat Pilar from Miami to Key West before competing and said he shares the author's fondness for fishing, hunting and boating.

Hundreds of 'look-a-likes' of the famous author took to the Conch Republic this weekend for fun and competition.

Michael Groover of Savannah, Georgia, husband of Paula Deen, finished in the top five as the celebrity chef watched from the audience.

Judged by former winners, the contest attracted 153 entrants and highlighted the annual Hemingway Days festival honoring the author's literary legacy and vigorous Key West lifestyle. The festival ends Sunday evening with a reception at the Hemingway museum.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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