Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood Over 25 years have passed since First Blood wrapped filming in Hope, British Columbia, Canada - but residents, local crew and Rambo enthusiasts agree it doesn't feel like a quarter century has passed. Back in 1981, British Columbia's film industry was in its infancy when the Ministry of Tourism's Film Promotion Office, helmed by Dianne Neufeld and Justis Greene, received a call from a production company interested in shooting First Blood, a $15 million action movie in B.C.  After scouting several different locations in BC, the producers found the exact look they had been searching for in the small town of Hope. Soon after, a crew of approximately 100 people (many of whom still work in the BC Film industry) began to transform the town of Hope into the birthplace of John Rambo. The Sheriff's Office was constructed on the lawn of Hope's District Hall, a gun shop and gas station were built and American flags, mailboxes, and US Army billboards were placed on downtown streets. During the filming, the cast and crew had to deal with bitter cold, the theft of over 50 firearms needed for the movie, Stallone's injuries and the escape of a wild boar on its way to set. Despite these challenges, First Blood, which was released on Friday October 22, 1982 was a major box office success, earning a record breaking $14.8 million in the first 12 days of its release To mark the film's 25th anniversary, the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex (operated by Destination Hope & Beyond Services) is celebrating the occasion with a number of events and activities over the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, beginning October 5th. If you would like to contribute stories, photos or trivia for the souvenir booklet you are invited to send them to destinationhope@telus.net. Also, if you were involved in this film project you are encouraged to take part in the events celebrating this pivotal BC film project.

For further information, please contact: Inge Wilson, Manager-Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Phone: 604-869-2021 or 1-866-HOPEVIC E-mail: destinationhope@telus.net

Friday, October 5th - 7PM or so ... Welcome evening for First Blood fans at the Silver Chalice Neighbourhood Pub featuring the premiere showing of the REEL PLACES documentary/travelogue of "First Blood". No cover charge. Must be 19 years old to gain admission. Introduction of the Rambo look-alike competitors - each Rambo look-alike competitor will receive a free ticket for the "First Blood" film screening on Saturday evening.

Saturday, October 6th - 10AM Guided walking tour of "First Blood" filming locations within Hope. Starting location is the Hope Visitor Centre/Museum Complex at 919 Water Avenue. Admission to Museum by donation but no charge for walking tour. Must wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all kinds of weather - event proceeds rain or shine! (From 9AM to 10AM pre-bookings & pre-payments for a lunch at the Sheriff's Office can be made at the Visitor Centre & Museum Complex) Tour will include lunch stop at the " Sheriff's Office" where "First Blood" art competition entries will be displayed. Tour will conclude at the Visitor Centre/Museum Complex sometime in the afternoon.

Saturday, October 6th - 7PM Doors open at the Hope Cinema for a special screening of the original "First Blood" film. At 7:30 PM anyone present that has stories or memories to share will be asked to speak at the microphone before the film begins. Rambo look-alike competitors will each be asked to voice one of the well known "Rambo" pieces of dialogue. The "Fan Favourite" and official first place winners of the Rambo look-alike competition to be announced & awards presented. Film begins once speakers & Rambo impersonators are finished. Cost per person is $8.00. Ticket will also include admission to the feature film (title unknown yet) being shown at Hope Cinema immediately after the conclusion of "First Blood".

Sunday, October 7th - 10AM Meet at the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park parking lot for a guided walk through "Chapman's Gorge". Parking fee is $3 per vehicle (bring coins for the parking ticket machine). Must wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all kinds of weather - event proceeds rain or shine! Those who want to continue on with the optional hike should bring a bag lunch. No charge to participate

Sunday, October 7th - 1PM Optional additional hike through the woods above "Chapman's Gorge". Must be physically fit, appropriately attired and sign a waiver. Parking fee for Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park still in effect. Hike proceeds rain or shine. No charge to participate.

Sunday, October 7th Pig Roast Dinner Wind Up. Location, time and cost not yet finalized. Both Saturday & Sunday the Hope Museum will be open from 10AM to 4PM. A small exhibit of "First Blood" photos and memorabilia will be featured. Admission by donation. A special "First Blood" 25th anniversary souvenir booklet will be available throughout the weekend.

Monday, October 8th - Thanksgiving Day No organized events, but visitors are encouraged to enjoy other points of interest in the Hope area like Hell's Gate Airtram, Minter Gardens, Hope Art Gallery, Hope Chainsaw Carvings, Yale Heritage Site, Kilby Historic Store & Farm, the Hope Slide and more!!!

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