The community of Hope, B.C. is preparing to say goodbye to a local bridge made famous in the Sylvester Stallone-starring Rambo series.
The Kawkawa Bridge was featured in the original 1982 Rambo film, First Blood, in a scene where the Vietnam War vet is transported out of town by a sheriff who takes him for a drifter.
"We don't want guys like you in this town," the sheriff, played by Brian Dennehy, says. "This is a quiet little town. In fact, you might say it's boring. But that's the way we like it."
The film's police force may not have appreciated Rambo, but Hope residents have long relished the town's connection to the fictional commando. With the "Rambo bridge" now scheduled for demolition, a celebration and proper farewell is being readied for Sunday.
The event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. with a fundraiser barbecue hosted by Hope Search and Rescue featuring costumes and props from the film, as well as real police and army vehicles.
Attendees are encouraged to show up dressed like Rambo for a lookalike contest, with a grand prize of a flight over the Coquihalla Canyon (called "Chapman's Gorge" in the film) with Valley Helicopters.
A screening of First Blood at the Hope Cinema will follow at 3 p.m., though space is limited.
With the bridge gone, several other filming locations from the movie will remain, including the Othello-Quintette Tunnels and Wallace Street.
More information on the event is available through the Hope visitor centre at 604-869-2021.
