In her early years in Detroit, Patty Czajka was captivated by a Canadian television program set in Prince Edward Island. Every Sunday, she would tune in to watch “Road to Avonlea” with her grandmother, especially admiring actress Mag Ruffman, known for her role as Aunt Olivia in the 1990s series.
When Czajka discovered that Ruffman would be participating in a fan convention on P.E.I. dedicated to the show, she didn’t hesitate to secure a ticket. “She was like my own version of a Disney princess when I was growing up,” Czajka shared at the event.
Enthusiasts of “Road to Avonlea” traveled from various parts of the globe to attend the fully booked convention. The acclaimed Canadian series, which aired in over 100 countries, premiered in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996.
Following the story of young Sarah Stanley, portrayed by future Oscar winner Sarah Polley, the show depicted her life as she moved in with her deceased mother’s relatives at the turn of the 20th century. The series drew inspiration from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels.
The convention spanned three days, featuring activities like oyster and wine tastings, as well as panel discussions with the show’s cast and crew. Attendees also embarked on tours to visit filming locations, Montgomery’s birthplace, gravesite, and the Cavendish house that influenced her famous work, “Anne of Green Gables.”
Edward Lemon, the assistant director of Fine Book Fairs, the event organizer, expressed his belief that the show continues to resonate with audiences seeking an escape and values like kindness and companionship. He hoped that the series would attract new viewers and endure for years to come.
Ruffman was moved by the fans’ enthusiasm at the convention. She remarked on the strong emotional connection fans have with the show and the characters, including her portrayal of Olivia. Czajka, now reliving the series with her own children, emphasized the rarity of finding a show that could be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike, reflecting on the timeless appeal of “Road to Avonlea.”