Patty Czajka, hailing from Detroit, was captivated by a Canadian TV show set in Prince Edward Island during her childhood. She fondly recalls watching “Road to Avonlea” with her grandmother each Sunday, particularly admiring actress Mag Ruffman in her role as Aunt Olivia. When Czajka learned about a fan convention on P.E.I. featuring Ruffman, she didn’t hesitate to secure a ticket to attend.
Fans of the acclaimed Canadian series, which aired worldwide from 1990 to 1996, gathered from diverse locations for the sold-out convention. “Road to Avonlea” followed the story of Sarah Stanley, played by Sarah Polley, who moves to live with her late mother’s relatives at the turn of the 20th century, drawing inspiration from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels.
The event spanned three days and included activities like oyster and wine tastings, panel discussions with the show’s cast and crew, and tours to filming locations, Montgomery’s birthplace, and the Cavendish house that inspired “Anne of Green Gables.” Edward Lemon, assistant director of Fine Book Fairs, noted the enduring appeal of the show, attributing it to the values of kindness, friendship, and fellowship it portrays.
Mag Ruffman expressed her gratitude for the enthusiastic fans at the convention, emphasizing the lasting impact of the show on both viewers and the cast. Patty Czajka, now sharing the series with her own children, highlighted the rarity of a show that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults, finding immense value in the shared experience.