When Patty Czajka was a young girl in Detroit, she was captivated by a Canadian TV show set in Prince Edward Island. Every Sunday, she would tune in to watch “Road to Avonlea” with her grandmother, especially admiring actress Mag Ruffman in her role as Aunt Olivia in the 1990s series.
Upon learning that Ruffman would be participating in a fan convention on P.E.I. dedicated to the show, Czajka eagerly purchased a ticket. “She was like my Disney princess while growing up,” Czajka shared excitedly at the convention.
Fans of “Road to Avonlea” from various corners of the globe gathered on the Island for the sold-out event. This acclaimed Canadian series, broadcast in over 100 countries, premiered in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996.
The storyline revolved around young Sarah Stanley (portrayed 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 show garnered a global following.
The three-day convention featured oyster and wine tastings, panel discussions with the cast and crew, and visits to filming locations such as Montgomery’s birthplace, gravesite, and the Cavendish house that inspired “Anne of Green Gables.”
Edward Lemon, assistant director of Fine Book Fairs, noted that the show’s enduring appeal lies in its representation of values like kindness and friendship, providing an escape for viewers. The convention aimed to introduce the series to new audiences and potentially host similar events in the future.
Ruffman expressed her gratitude for the fans’ enthusiasm at the convention, emphasizing the lasting emotional connection people have with the show. Czajka shared her joy in rewatching the series with her children, highlighting its rarity in finding a show suitable for family viewing.
The convention served as a nostalgic and heartwarming gathering for fans of “Road to Avonlea,” fostering a sense of community and shared love for the beloved series.