From Giant Key Lime Pies to Hemingway Look-Alikes ... Key West has it all!

One of the amazing things about living in Key West is there is always something unique going on. Many of you probably saw on the news that our small island recently broke the World Record for the largest key lime pie! I was lucky to get close enough to snap this photo on July 4. Volunteers were scooping out slices to benefit our local historic Firehouse Museum.

The pie itself measured more than 8 feet in diameter and was big enough to feed 1,000 hungry tourists (and a few locals like me ...). It contained 5,760 key limes, 200 pounds of graham crackers and 55 gallons of condensed milk. And, of course, the atmosphere was true Key West party! (See video below).

This weekend promises to be just as much fun with the finale of Hemingway Days. If you've never been to Key West in the summer, this is the week to give it a try. Imagine seeing Papa look-alikes on every corner doing every imaginable Key West activity. Here are a few photos a friend snapped this week at Sunset Pier. And, no, those are NOT all the same guy. Check out their wrist watches and you'll see that's three different Papas. Man, I love this town!

 "Papa" photos by: Al Nelson

Today's activities include a Look-Alike Fish-Off at Conch Republic Seafood Company where the Papas compete in a dockside catch-and-release challenge using traditional "Cuban yo-yos." Tonight is the second round of the actual 33rd annual Look-Alike Contest at Sloppy Joe's. Former contest winners judge the event, which is free to watch.

Saturday is the big day with a Caribbean Street Fair closing down much of Duval Street until 9 p.m. You’ll find all sorts of treasures at eats in this open-air island market. And don’t miss a photo with Papa at noon. That would be a great keepsake for anyone’s scrapbook.
The Key West Running of the Bulls at 1 p.m. is a sight to behold and shouldn't be missed! This wacky event features past Hemingway Look-Alike Contest winners dressed in their Pamplona best — and a breed of "bull" found only in Key West.

Shortly after, proud Papas celebrate the 114th anniversary of Ernest's July 21 birth with a pre-birthday cake outside Sloppy Joe's. The crowning event of the celebration is the 6:30 p.m. Look-Alike Contest finale at Sloppy Joe’s.

More than 100 contestants compete compete for the honor of "Papa"

If you’ve got any energy left, Sunday morning’s arm wrestling championship is only $5 to enter and free to watch. Contest begins at noon at Sloppy Joe’s.

As fun and unique as this weekend sounds, it's pretty much the norm here in Key West. There's always something to do, even in the "off" season. If you're still dreaming of owning a home in Key West, let me help you find one. You can reach me at 305-304-1708 or email nexxthome@yahoo.com. Or search homes for yourself at http://keywestlistings.com.

Have a great weekend, wherever you are!