When Patty Czajka was growing up in Detroit, she 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, particularly admiring actress Mag Ruffman in her role as Aunt Olivia. Learning that Ruffman would be attending a fan convention in P.E.I. dedicated to the show, Czajka didn’t hesitate to secure a ticket.
Describing Ruffman as her childhood version of a Disney princess, Czajka shared her excitement at being in P.E.I. for the convention. Fans of “Road to Avonlea” traveled from various parts of the world to attend the sold-out event. The acclaimed Canadian series, broadcast in over 100 countries, premiered in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996.
The show revolved around the story of young Sarah Stanley, portrayed by future Oscar winner Sarah Polley, who is sent to live with her deceased mother’s relatives at the turn of the 20th century. Loosely inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels, the series garnered a global following.
During the three-day convention, attendees indulged in oyster and wine tastings, engaged in panel discussions with the show’s cast and crew, and embarked on tours to visit filming locations, Montgomery’s birthplace, gravesite, and the Cavendish house that inspired “Anne of Green Gables.”
Edward Lemon, the assistant director of Fine Book Fairs, the organizers of the convention, highlighted the enduring appeal of the show, emphasizing its themes of kindness, friendship, and camaraderie. Despite its conclusion three decades ago, the show continues to attract new viewers, with hopes for future conventions drawing similar enthusiasm.
For Ruffman, the convention was a poignant experience as she felt the genuine connection and enthusiasm from fans. Reflecting on her character, Aunt Olivia, Ruffman admitted to occasionally wondering about her fictional whereabouts, showing the lasting impact of the role on her.
Czajka, now sharing the series with her own children, expressed her delight in being able to enjoy “Road to Avonlea” with her family, underscoring the rarity of finding shows suitable for all generations. She found the experience of revisiting the series with her kids as rewarding as her cherished memories of watching it in her grandmother’s home.