"Mrs. Roper's Romp" takes over Medina Square for Ladies Night Out

MEDINA — People donned colorful caftans and curly red wigs to embody Helen Roper from "Three's Company" as they shopped and dined on the Medina Square on Thursday. "Mrs. Roper's Romp" was the latest Ladies Night Out, which is a promotional event sponsored by Main Street Medina. Angela Mansier is the events director for Main Street Medina. She said Main Street works with restaurants and retail stores around the square, and the businesses come up with specials to offer for the themed event. "We have a passport that people can pick up and then work their way through the town, take advantage of those specials that are offered and go grab a bite to eat with their friends," she said. "It's supposed to be a night to set aside with your friends that you may not normally get to do." Ladies Night Out typically happens four times a year around St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day and in July and October, Mansier said. The theme for the most recent event came to be because a retailer on the promotions committee noticed other communities having a "Mrs. Roper's Romp." "It feeds off the fact that the October date is so incredibly popular, and people get dressed up for that year after year," she said. "They just love the event, and I think we just want any excuse to get dressed up and have fun for the night." Many stores on the square typically have limited hours on weekdays, but they stay open later for Ladies Night Out. Mansier said the event gives people who work when the stores are normally open the chance to explore the square. "Even for people who live here and Medina and pass by these stores all the time, hopefully they'll discover or rediscover some of these great little small businesses we have," she said. Mansier said the square is full of small businesses that rely on local support. "Nights like this really get them through some tougher months and reconnect with their customers," she said. "It was all made up by a bunch of small businesses that are wanting to try and reinvigorate their Thursday night sales and numbers." The next event is "Witches Night Out" on Oct. 23. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.