Channel your inner '70's diva, dig out your most marvellous muumuu-style dress or housecoat, and come and knock on Duncan Curling Club's door on Sept. 20 as the Cowichan Valley Women's Collective host Duncan's first Mrs. Roper Romp.
The kooky character from the classic Three's Company sitcom, which starred John Ritter, is not only making a comeback but trending as Mrs. Roper Romps are growing in popularity all across North America where thousands attend. Organizer Kim Peters was inspired to host Cowichan's first as a way to meet new like-minded people who enjoy being silly and having fun and willing to dress up and not take themselves too seriously.
"Life feels like it’s moving at Mach 10 lately, and I thought it would be nice to slow down a bit and recall a gentler time," said Peters. "I’d been hoping to attend a party like this for some time, but couldn’t find one close to home."
Peters said when she first posted the idea on Facebook she thought maybe she'd get interest from around a dozen people and they'd crowd into a local bar on a Saturday afternoon. Little did she know the post would take off with more than 1,000 likes, and 250 shares.
"I decided to go big or go home," said Peters. "Now we’ve sold over 80 tickets, with people coming from all over the Island."
Tickets for the retro rocking good time are $25, or $35, which includes a $10 food voucher for Hungry Bubbas, who will have their food truck on site. Another sweet option will be a cool treat from Anywhere Ice Cream. There will be DJ/Karaoke by Empty Orchestra Events and a 50/50 draw supporting the Vancouver Island Crisis Line as September is Suicide Awareness Month. There will be dancing, a photo “booth,” a few little gifts, and last but not least, a costume parade.
"Instead of singling out one 'best' Mrs. Roper, everyone who dresses up will receive a prize," said Peters.
Other activities include trivia rounds, a theme-song sing-off, as well as a group photo, with only three rules, one is expected to follow: be silly, be kind, and put your phone away.
Tickets are available through eventbrite at eventbrite.com/e/mrs-roper-romp-tickets. For more information on the role that the Cowichan Valley Women's Collective plays in the community visit www.cowichanvalleywomen.ca.
"My hope is that attendees leave with smiles on their faces and maybe new friends to connect with," said Peters. "I’d love this to grow into a community of fun-loving folks who get together on a regular basis — whether that’s a disco party, a do-over prom, a coffee group, a bowling league or something else entirely."
