When Patty Czajka was growing up in Detroit, a Canadian television program based in Prince Edward Island captivated her. Every Sunday, she would tune in to watch “Road to Avonlea” with her grandmother, particularly admiring actress Mag Ruffman, who portrayed Aunt Olivia in the 1990s series. Learning that Ruffman would be present at a fan convention in P.E.I. dedicated to the show, Czajka eagerly purchased a ticket to attend.
Describing Ruffman as her childhood version of a Disney princess, Czajka expressed her excitement at being in P.E.I. for the convention. Fans of “Road to Avonlea” from around the globe gathered on the Island for the sold-out event. The acclaimed Canadian series, which aired in over 100 countries, premiered in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996.
The show revolved around the life of young Sarah Stanley (portrayed by future Academy Award winner Sarah Polley), who is sent to live with her late mother’s relatives at the turn of the 20th century. Loosely inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels, the convention spanned three days and featured activities such as oyster and wine tastings, panel discussions with the show’s cast and crew, and visits to 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, which organized the convention, highlighted the enduring appeal of the show, noting its themes of kindness, friendship, and fellowship. Ruffman shared her appreciation for the fans’ enthusiasm, emphasizing the lasting connection people have with the series.
Czajka mentioned that she is currently rewatching “Road to Avonlea” with her three children, relishing the opportunity to share a show that holds sentimental value for her across generations. She praised the rarity of a program that can be enjoyed by both adults and children in the same room, underscoring its timeless and captivating nature.