When Patty Czajka was a young girl in Detroit, she was captivated by a Canadian television series set on Prince Edward Island. Every Sunday, she would tune in to watch “Road to Avonlea” with her grandmother, developing a particular fondness for actress Mag Ruffman, who portrayed Aunt Olivia in the show during the 1990s.
Upon learning that Ruffman would be appearing at a fan convention in P.E.I. dedicated to the series, Czajka didn’t hesitate to secure a ticket. “She was like my own Disney princess when I was growing up,” Czajka expressed during the convention, recounting how she convinced her husband to take her to P.E.I., fulfilling her childhood dream.
Enthusiastic fans of “Road to Avonlea” from various corners of the world gathered on the Island for the fully booked convention. The acclaimed Canadian show, which aired in over 100 countries, made its debut in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996.
The storyline revolved around the young Sarah Stanley (played 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 based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels, the series garnered international popularity.
The event spanned three days and featured oyster and wine tastings, as well as panel discussions with the cast and crew of the show. Attendees also embarked on tours across the Island to visit filming locations, Montgomery’s birthplace, gravesite, and the Cavendish house that inspired her renowned work, “Anne of Green Gables.”
Edward Lemon, the assistant director of Fine Book Fairs responsible for organizing the convention, emphasized the enduring appeal of the show, noting its themes of kindness, friendship, and camaraderie. He expressed hope for the series to continue attracting new audiences for years to come, envisioning future conventions with sustained attendance.
Ruffman, reflecting on the convention, highlighted the emotional connection between the fans and the show’s cast and crew. She shared her own curiosity about the characters she portrayed, acknowledging that the impact of “Road to Avonlea” endures long after the show’s conclusion.
Czajka mentioned that she is currently rewatching the series with her three children, finding joy in sharing the nostalgic experience with them. She praised the show for its rare quality of being suitable for family viewing, a feature that she finds increasingly scarce in modern television offerings.