Photo Credit (Pixabay)
AP (Philadelphia) At Philadelphia’s RockyFest on Friday, couples who appear awkward on skates and during dates got the opportunity to celebrate their adorable awkwardness by competing in a look-alike competition between Rocky and Adrian.
The purpose of the evening gathering at the 1923 Ice Rink at the University of Pennsylvania was to mimic the couple’s first date in “Rocky.” The titular boxer in the iconic 1976 movie shuffles with his closest buddy Paulie’s sister as she attempts to remain upright rather than actually donning ice skates in the moment.
The winner of the sweepstakes received a $250 certificate for a Rocky-themed gift shop, a hotel stay, and dinner at South Philadelphia’s famous Victor Café, where the servers also sing opera.
First place went to Jason and Roxanne Carrion, firefighters from New York City.
We’re, I believe, the biggest ‘Rocky’ fans ever, so I wanted to do something. Jason Carrion, wearing a leather jacket and cap that matched Rocky’s streetwear in the film, stated, “I mean, just look at us.”
The occasion was dubbed her “dream date” by Roxanne Carrion. “I’m going to dress up and go ice skating, and then we’re going to the movie theater to watch the Rocky movie. Thus, this date has been ideal for us,” she stated.
The “underdog” concept, she claimed, is the reason the movie has become so popular: “It’s an inspirational story that transcends any age or a person, doesn’t it?”
The city of Philadelphia is commemorating the popular “Rocky” franchise almost 50 years later with a five-day festival that developed out of the first Rocky Day in 2023.
This week’s events have included bus tours of favorite scenes, talks about the Sylvester Stallone character’s continuing appeal, movie marathons, and the unveiling of a mural.
A second cast of the Rocky statue, which was first shown in “Rocky III,” was unveiled at the top of the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It will stay there until December 31.
In a statement, Stallone said, “This statue symbolizes everything that the Rocky movies stand for: heart, tenacity, and the unbreakable bond between Rocky and the people of Philadelphia.”
