WEYBURN - In the 1970s and 80s, television sitcoms ruled most broadcast channels between the supper hour and the 10 o’clock news.
Many of these situation comedies live on through reruns on retro TV some 50 years later. They have become iconic, with fan bases across the country, some of whom were not even born when these shows were first broadcast.
Shows like Happy Days, I Love Lucy, Mork and Mindy and Gilligan’s Island brought families together in the living room for an entertaining evening. Some shows were geared to an ‘adult’ crowd with suggestive situations, and slightly risqué one liners.
One such show was Three’s Company, which originally ran from 1977 to 1984.
Based on the hijinks of three roommates, Chrissy, Janet and Jack, along with their landlords ‘The Ropers’, the show remains popular in syndication today.
Each character had his or her own unique style, but none compared to the sharp tongued Helen Roper. With her curly red hair, colourful caftans and outrageous costume jewellery, she was full of one liners, usually directed at her husband Stanley.
Around the country in the past few years, events called Mrs. Roper Romps have become a “thing”.
My best friend and I recently participated in one of these events.
Imagine 300+ Helen Ropers converging on a small city, flamboyant costumes and every-shade-of-red-available wigs.
We paraded around the 1881 district of Chilliwack, which is a community in itself within the city. Eateries, boutiques, pubs and quaint shops line the cobblestone sidewalks, making for a very charming location to hold one of these events.
Participating businesses welcomed us with food and drink specials for all Helens. Stanleys had to pay full price, so they were scarce. One place tailored their music with the theme song from Three’s Company and songs that were popular during that era.
We met new friends that we wouldn’t have met in ‘real life’, and may not recognize again in their every day garb. But that day, everyone was greeted by “Hello, Helen!”. We had a commonality that surpassed age, location, vocation and education.
We were fabulous, if not glamorous! It was a celebration of awesomeness!
When asked why we decided to go on this little adventure, there is no logical answer. It was just fun! And isn’t that what life’s about?
Now I’m wondering if there is a similar event with a Golden Girls theme.
Would I be a Blanche or a Sophia? Hmmmm….
