Old Town Lansing Hosts 70s-Themed Roper Romp

If you randomly happen to be in Lansing's Old Town on Saturday, June 7, don't be surprised to see a bunch of people dressed in muumuus and curly red wigs walking around.

What is the Roper Romp?

For the second year in a row, Old Town Lansing is holding its Old Town Roper Romp, a nod to the iconic "Helen Roper" character from TV's Three's Company (and later The Ropers) that aired on ABC from the late 1970s to early 1980s. Helen was typically clad in a floral muumuu (or "caftan"), and wore lots of costume jewelry.

Actress Audra Lindley portrayed Helen Roper on the ABC sitcom "Three's Company" in the late 1970s, before starring in its spinoff "The Ropers" for a couple seasons as well. (Photos via YouTube: PMY:ClassicRewind101)

Roper Romps Across the Nation

Lansing isn't the only city in Michigan that's begun holding "Roper Romps" - or in America, for that matter. Ypsilanti hosts one, as do Battle Creek, Jackson and other towns across the Mitten State. They can be found all over the nation.

According to npr.org, "Roper Romps began in 2013, initially as a parade in New Orleans at the LGBTQ celebration known as Southern Decadence." Men and women alike participate, donning gaudy costumes reminiscent of Helen Roper, the sex-starved wife of Three's Company landlord Stanley Roper - sometimes as part of a parade, sometimes just gathering to have fun for a few hours.

Get Involved in Lansing's Roper Romp

The Roper Romp slated for Old Town this year doesn't include a parade, but promises a lawn party, special cocktails, a costume contest, door prizes and "lots of polyester".