In her childhood days in Detroit, Patty Czajka was captivated by a Canadian TV series set on Prince Edward Island. Every Sunday, she would tune in to watch “Road to Avonlea” with her grandmother, especially admiring actress Mag Ruffman’s portrayal of Aunt Olivia in the 1990s show. When Czajka discovered that Ruffman would be appearing at a fan convention on P.E.I. dedicated to the series, she eagerly purchased a ticket to attend.
Describing Ruffman as her childhood version of a Disney princess, Czajka expressed her excitement at being able to visit P.E.I. for the convention. Fans of “Road to Avonlea” traveled from various parts of the world to the Island for the highly anticipated sold-out event. The acclaimed Canadian series, which aired in over 100 countries, premiered in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996.
The show revolved around the life of young Sarah Stanley, played by future Academy Award winner Sarah Polley, who is sent to live with her deceased mother’s relatives at the turn of the 20th century. Loosely based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels, the series garnered a global following over the years.
The convention spanned three days and featured activities such as oyster and wine tastings, along with panel discussions involving the show’s cast and crew. Attendees also embarked on tours around the Island to visit filming locations from the show, Montgomery’s birthplace, gravesite, and the iconic Cavendish house that inspired “Anne of Green Gables.”
Edward Lemon, assistant director of Fine Book Fairs, the organizing body behind the convention, emphasized that the enduring appeal of the show lies in its ability to provide an escape for viewers seeking values like kindness, friendship, and fellowship. He expressed hope that the series would continue to attract new audiences, enabling future conventions to draw similar enthusiasm.
Reflecting on the convention, Ruffman shared her appreciation for the passionate energy exhibited by fans. She noted the lasting impact of the show on viewers and admitted to occasionally pondering about her character, Olivia, even years after the series concluded.
Czajka revealed that she is currently rewatching the series with her three children, relishing the opportunity to share a cherished part of her childhood with them. She highlighted the rarity of finding a show that resonates across generations and expressed gratitude for the timeless appeal of “Road to Avonlea.”