Commentary September 24, 2024
I Was One of Many ‘Helens’ at Annual Roper Romp
Paying homage to a beloved character from ’70s-era sitcom “Three’s Company,” the event also presented a unique opportunity for branded merch.
This past weekend, an amorphous red-orange mass descended upon Philadelphia suburb Phoenixville, PA. No, it wasn’t a return visit from the Blob, the carnivorous alien that went on a rampage in the eponymous 1958 movie. It wasn’t even Blobfest – that Phoenixville celebration happened back in July.
Instead, on Saturday, Sept. 21, an estimated 1,500 “Helens” donned curly red wigs, exuberantly patterned, flowing caftans, oversized glasses and chunky costume jewelry to take part in the second annual Roper Romp – and I was one of them.
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The event pays homage to Helen Roper, the landlady character from ’70s-era sitcom “Three’s Company,” played by Audra Lindley, known for her bold fashion sense and free-spirited attitude. The romps began over a decade ago: The first occurred in 2013, when a group of Helen Ropers marched in a parade during New Orlean’s Southern Decadence LGBTQ festival. Since then, Roper Romps have spread across the country.
“If we want to run around in caftans with the gaudiest jewelry we can find, with fantastically curly hair, guess what? We can do that. There’s no rules now,” Angel Vanas, who attended a Roper Romp in Ypsilanti, MI, told NPR.
I only have vague recollections of watching “Three’s Company” in syndication as a kid. What I mostly remember was that Jack wore very short shorts. Most of the jokes, I’m sure, went right over my head. Still, when a friend invited me to attend Phoenixville’s romp, I was intrigued.
Phoenixville’s Mrs. Roper Romp was ridiculous, joyful, and filled with more than 1,000 Helens https://t.co/LAAyBoheJi
— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) September 24, 2024
My friend and I grabbed brunch at Lock 29, which was decked out with a “Regal Beagle” sign – the name of the bar in “Three’s Company.” Then, we strolled along Bridge Street, waving to honking cars and cheerfully greeting other caftan-clad men and women with a chipper, “Hi, Helen!” Everyone was friendly and carefree. It was a low-stakes, silly way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
What also struck me, however, were the many opportunities for promo. Helens who registered for the Phoenixville romp (and arrived early enough) received a reusable shopping bag filled with goodies – everything from a piece of costume jewelry attached to a coupon for a local real estate agent to stickers from area breweries and bars. Registration fees went toward fundraising for Better Days Ahead, a nonprofit that provides support for people experiencing homelessness in the Philly suburbs.
Roper Romp attendees also received a bright orange silicone wristband for the event. One vendor at the registration area included a photo op with a life-size cutout of Mr. Roper. The possibilities for local businesses to align themselves with the fun event were endless – and when I return to Phoenixville for the third annual romp next year, I expect there will be even more ’70s-themed merch to delight the senses.