A massive crowd in Three's Company costumes gathered in uptown Saint John on October 3, 2026.. This fourth annual Mrs. Roper's Romp serves as a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society to honor those lost to the disease.
From a private walk to a 600-person uptown parade
The evolution of the Mrs. Roper's Romp began as a deeply personal mission for founder Becky Allaby. following the 2021 death of her sister,Jennifer, from breast cancer, Allaby and her friends initially organized small walks along the Harbour Passage to raise awareness. At the time, Jennifer participated virtually from Saskatchewan while her sister walked the local trails.
The event underwent a major transformation in 2023 after Allaby discovered a TikTok video featuring a Mrs. Roper-themed bar crawl in California. This pop-culture inspiration helped transition the movement from a private memorial into a public celebration of the classic sitcom Three's Company, a show that was a favorite of the Allaby sisters.
The $40,000 milestone for the Canadian Cancer Society
The financial impact of the event has scaled rapidly alongside its growing attendance. as CTV Atlantic reported, the romp has raised more than $40,000 for cancer research in just the three years since it was opened to the general public.
Attendance numbers reflect this upward trajectory, moving from an initial 200 participants in 2024 to more than 600 people attending both this year and last. Organizer Debbie Squires noted that the growth of the event has been "unbelievable," highlighting how individual initiative can drive significant community fundraising.
A tribute to Jennifer Allaby and local families
Community members use the event to process grief through shared nostalgia and colorful costumes. For many attendees, such as Michelle Bourque, who traveled from Moncton, the romp is a way to honor parents lost to the disease while enjoying a festive atmosphere.
The emotional centerpiece of the evening is a slideshow where participants can submit memorials for loved ones. Sisters Shari O'Connor and Karen Gunn shared that they attended specifically to honor their mother,illustrating how the event has expanded from a tribute to one person into a collective commemoration for all impacted by cancer.
The missing details on future Saint John fundraising targets
While the current success of the romp is evident, several specific details regarding its long-term expansion remain unaddressed in the report. it is currently unknown if the organizers plan to move to a larger venue to accommodate the 600-plus crowd or if there are specific fundraising targets set for 2027 . additionally, while all ticket proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society, the source does not specify which particular research initiatives these funds will support.
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