On Saturday September 20th, dozens of kaftan wearing people, dressed as Helen Roper, will be cheerfully marching in uptown Waterloo (ON, Canada) to celebrate their afternoon with a local pub crawl. It’s an afternoon for everyone to be a ‘Helen', at least for the day, at the annual Roper Romp.
Now in its third year in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, local organizer Maryanne Rieck Paul took the initiative to organize this community celebration that first started by Bud Moore in New Orleans in 2013.
WHAT is the ROPER ROMP?
In 2013, Bud Moore took part in the annual parade during New Orlean's Southern Decadence, an event in the city for the LGTBQ+ community. He masterminded a unique idea: Bud, along with 49 others, dressed up in kaftans, and short curly auburn haired wigs, to commemorate the iconic and memorable character Mrs. Helen Roper.
Now, twelve years later, the Roper Romp Facebook page now has over 86,000 followers and has inspired hundreds of similar events across North America, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Spain and even in far away places like South Africa, and South Korea!
According to Moore, on his Roper Romp Facebook page, “I’m so thrilled that people are organizing events in other places and hope our Mrs. Roper community continues to grow.”
Still held in New Orleans today, here's the recent photo, taken on August 31, 2025, that shared by Bud Moore on his Roper Romp Facebook page 
Photo: Bud Moore, from the 2025 Roper Romp in New Orleans as part of The New Orleans Southern Decadence celebration.
WHO EXACTLY WAS HELEN ROPER?
Three’s Company was a popular American sitcom that was televised from 1976-1984. The storyline was based on two women, Janet and Chrissy, who shared an apartment with their platonic male roommate, Jack. Stanley and Helen Roper, the landlords of the building from 1976-1979, often contributed with their comedic antics that made this sitcom an overnight success.
Photo from IMDB.com. Left to right: Chrissy (Suzanne Somers), Stanley Roper (Norman Fell), Jack (John Ritter), Helen Roper (Audra Lindly) and Janet Joyce DeWitt. Sadly the only cast member alive today is Joyce DeWitt.
The character of Mrs. Helen Roper, played by Audra Lindley, from 1976-1980, was an unforgettable, tenacious, fun-loving lady who was caring, independent and free-spirited. Helen’s often grumpy, frugal, dry humored, yet lovable, Stanley (Norman Fell) created some unforgettable, timeless comedic memories.
Photo from IMDB.com
The Ropers were part of the Three's Company cast for four seasons (1976-1979) until they left for their own, although short-lived series, The Ropers, that lasted only two seasons. After their departure, the building was managed by Mr Furley (Don Knotts.)
MEET THE KITCHENER/WATERLOO REGION ROPER ROMP EVENT ORGANIZER
Maryanne Rieck Paul, a Kitchener-Waterloo resident, organizes the annual Roper Romp, which returns to uptown Waterloo on Saturday, September 20th (2025). Maryanne, along with Denise Berringer, another local resident, co-founded the KW group in 2022. Maryanne shared some planning insights with me during our conversation.
What made you decide to plan this event?
Well, like everyone else, I was on TikTok one day and saw a video snippet about the Roper Romp and I thought, “Oh, wouldn’t that be fun event.’
My reasoning was, in past, I’ve lived in my life saying that would be fun as an attendee. But this time, I took action. I thought “Wait a minute, why don’t I just do it?" I also connected with Denise Berringer, another resident who had the same idea to start the Romp and we co-founded the KW group in 2022 but I took over all planning the following year.
I reached out to Budd Moore, who lives in New Orleans. Then I reached out to the Uptown Waterloo BIA center to gain approval. Sadly, there just aren’t enough bars and establishments close by in downtown Kitchener, so Waterloo was an ideal location. Then, I reached out to local establishments in Waterloo with my intent to have their bar/restaurant to be part of the stops for the Roper Romp pub crawl.
Also, the Roper Romp is a fundraising opportunity, which is Bud’s mission. So, I contacted the Waterloo Region Food Bank and asked if we could raise funds for them and they were thrilled. They said that the best thing was, if they did the ticketing for us, they got 100% of the proceeds. So that all worked out.
Photo compliments of Maryanne, from the 2024 KW Roper Romp.
To me, with the Roper Romp, it’s all about everyone being truly equal on that day. We are all Helens. So that was my mission. We are all equal – it’s whimsical and fun and in this dark time, it’s fun and solidifies the fact that we need to stay confident.
Helen's role reminds us that as woman, she was so confident with herself, and she was so selfless. She always took care of the kids (Jack, Janet, and Chrissy), as she called them. And she kept their secret about Jack, and she was truly an icon. I am so glad that Bud Moore started this event. AND how it happens to organically use the phrase to others on that day and say the phrase “HI HELEN” -- since we are all equal.
A lot of people ask why this isn’t an event organized more often than once a year in the region. What are your thoughts?
Tried and true, like other events, it loses the fun if it’s more frequent than once a year. And fundraising for a cause is also a priority – fundraising is the core principle too. So once a year is something to plan and look forward to.
So what is on the agenda for this year's event?
We have asked Revive to offer karaoke this year. It’s Doggy Daycare Centre during the day, and a karaoke bar at night. They will open during the day for the Roper Romp. So, I’m excited about that. There’s Jane Bond, Ethel’s Lounge, Bodega Rose, The Duke of Wellington and Beer Town. Many will have a special drink menu too.
I also want to emphasis that Helens spread out more in groups to different pubs. A few bars had long line-ups for a drink and it’s best if we spread out and go to all the locations in groups.
Last year, we had 86 people participate. Our goal this year is to get 100! It’s hard too because there are a few other events happening that weekend and we are competing a bit.
It’s a growing event and I’m proud. I’ve read that in San Diego, it has gotten so the big that it’s a secret – by invite only. So, I’m glad that it’s happening in our area and growing fast.
What I really want to express – The Roper Romp is for everyone – men, women, groups of friends, and the LGTBQ+ community. Let’s show the strength of women in Kitchener – like Helen. Let’s have fun.
Speaking of Three’s Company, apart from Helen, who else are your favourite characters from the show?
Jack, of course, and we can’t forget Mr. Furley, Don Knotts (Mr. Furley replaced the Ropers in later episodes.) [Note again to readers, Three’s Company aired from 1976-1984 but the Ropers left the show in 1979, had their own show for only two years) and their characters were substituted with a new landlord, Mr. Furley, played by Don Knotts.
Mr. Furley who was replaced the Ropers on Three's Company in 1979. Photo from Pinterest.
When I asked Maryanne about her final thoughts about the purpose of the Roper Romp, she summed it up well:
“We are all equal – it’s whimsical and fun and in these recent dark times, and to solidify a woman, who was so selfless and so confident with herself.
And she always took care of ‘the kids’, as she called them. And she kept their secret about Jack, and she was such a strong female icon. I am so glad that Budd Moore started that. We will keep this annual tradition going!
CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP AND COMMUNITY
Maryanne summed it up so perfectly! During these dark times in the world, when the future seems so uncertain, Mrs. Roper reminds us of the importance of celebrating friendship and togetherness in a community setting. In addition, women need to stay confident. It’s also an annual fundraiser for a local charity, as part of Bud’s emphasized mandate for this annual event. So, I hope this influences you to attend or plan an event in your area!
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ROPER ROMP?
Purchase tickets to the KW Roper Romp here
Follow the KW Roper Romp on Facebook
Follow the Canadian Roper Romp Group on Facebook
BUY A KAFTAN HERE!
Visit IMDB to learn more about Audra Lindley.
Learn more about the wonderful Audra Lindley and her career. Although Audra passed away in 1997, in addition to Mrs. Roper, she also played various acting role including Friends, Matlock, and appeared in movies.
Listen to the memorable Three's Company theme song on Youtube.
This themed song for Three's Company is often featured at karaoke @ the Roper Romp. So it's good to learn the words to sing along!
WATCH THE CANADIAN CTV TV NETWORK Roper Romp segment from 2024 in Newfoundland.
Read An Article About the History of the Kaftan
The kaftan, originating from ancient Mesopotamia, is a long robe or tunic worn by various cultures for eons. It had a comeback in the 60s and 70s, thanks to designers like Yves Saint Laurent. Now, it's still the go-to for lounging in style, in several cultures today. Read more about the history of the kaftan an the Fashion History Timeline website.
Until next time,
Nancy (aka Helen Roper in the photo below)
