The Day’s Helen Happenings
Your caftan-friendly guide to the day’s main events, with final details still to come.
Your Roper Romp Lineup!
Your caftan-friendly guide to the day’s main events, with final details still to come.
9:30 AM
Melody Round-Up Parade (details coming soon)
Kick off the day with the Melody Round-Up Parade and soak up some hometown fun before the official romp begins. It’s a great early stop for Helens who are already out and about and ready to get the party started.
11:30 AM
Doors Open at Regal Eagle’s Headquarters
The Eagles Club — 107 N. Denver Ave, Hastings, NE
The doors to our Roper Romp headquarters at the Regal Eagles Club open at 11:30 AM. If you’re in town and caftan-ready, come on in — we’ll have crafts, music, and games to get you warmed up before the official romp begins.
12:00 PM
Registration Officially Begins
Check in, grab your goodies, and get ready to romp.
12:00 – 1:45 PM
Free Romp
Free Romp is when Helens hit the town. Think bead-making, palm readings, shopping, treats, and a few surprises we’re still cooking up. You can build your own perfect romp — click here to see every Free Romp activity and participating business, or click here for lunch options.
1:45 PM
Helens Come Home Call
Consider this the official call to bring the Helens back together. Make your way back from downtown adventures and get ready for the next round of fun at headquarters.
2:00 PM
Welcome, Games, and Drawings
Now that everyone’s gathered back together, it’s time for the official welcome and some good old-fashioned Helen-style fun. Expect games, drawings, laughs, and a few surprises mixed in along the way.
2:30 PM
Group Photo
Time to gather the caftans, the curls, and the crew for one glorious group shot. You’ll definitely want to be in this one — it’s one of the signature moments of the day.
3:00 – 5:30 PM
Free Romp
Fresh new fun awaits for this second romp window. Head back into downtown Hastings to catch anything you missed, or dive into brand-new adventures like a Joy Ride pedal bike (picture sixteen Helens on one giant bike) and Helen specials at the cigar bar. It’s your chance to squeeze in a few more over-the-top, Helen-worthy stories before the evening begins.
5:30 PM
Dinner Hour
As the day rolls into evening, Helens can head out for dinner and enjoy even more of Hastings. This is a great time to grab tacos, sip a drink at the Sky Bar, and explore more participating local favorites — click here for places to eat, drink, and dine in Hastings.
5:30 PM
Full Helen Dinner at Regal Eagle’s Club
Guests who purchased the Full Helen VIP + Dinner package can return to the Regal Eagle’s Club for their reserved pizza buffet dinner. This special dinner hour is just for our Full Helens and includes reserved seating for a cozy, caftan-friendly evening together.
7:00 PM
Closing Ceremony, Costume Contest, and Golden Caftan Awards
This is the big evening finale — the moment for cheers, celebration, and a little well-earned caftan glory. Join us for the closing ceremony, costume contest, and Golden Caftan Awards as we wrap up the day in full Helen fashion.
8:30 PM
Official Wrap
By 8:30 PM, we’ll officially wrap the day’s festivities. Of course, the memories, photos, and Helen energy may carry on a little longer.