It's almost time for the annual gathering of the unofficial "Papa" Hemingway tribe... July 17 - 21 Hemingway fans will crowd the island during the 50th anniversary of the publication of "The Old Man and Sea," and Sloppy Joe's 22nd Annual Hemingway Look-Alike contest (July 18 - 21) and the ever famous "Running of the Bulls," which you've just got to see.

The events are continuous and as varied as Hemingway's interests - the Conch Republic Prize for Literature (Randy Wayne White is the winner this year), the Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament, "Hot Havana Nights" Cuban costume party at Hemingway's home, the Hemingway Days Caribbean Street Fair... you get the picture. Celebrating "Papa" with the things he loved most... booze, fishing, writing and friends. It's very Hemingway, and very Key West!

Southernmost House has announced that Lorian Hemingway (Ernest's granddaughter) will dedicate the new Hemingway Room at the mansion on July 18th, during Hemingway Days.

Southernmost House is unveiling three new Hemingway pieces at that time, too.

Hemingway's sojorn in Key West has always struck me as his "short, happy life" period, when everything was going extremely well for him. It was a good time. It couldn't last. That was clear. Celebrating Hemingway Days you can retrieve some of that lost time...

It all goes into high gear tomorrow, with non-stop fun and games, combined with intellectually stimulating seminars and events.

Click here to read more about Hemingway Days and join in the fun!