Patty Czajka, a Detroit native, reminisced about her childhood fascination with a Canadian TV series set in Prince Edward Island. Every Sunday, she would watch “Road to Avonlea” with her grandmother and admire actress Mag Ruffman, who portrayed Aunt Olivia in the 1990s show. When Czajka learned that Ruffman would be a guest at a fan convention in P.E.I. dedicated to the series, she eagerly bought a ticket to attend.
Fans from around the globe gathered on the Island for the sold-out event celebrating “Road to Avonlea,” a critically acclaimed Canadian series that aired in over 100 countries. The show premiered in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996. It narrated the story of young Sarah Stanley, played by future Oscar winner Sarah Polley, who goes to live with her late mother’s relatives at the beginning of the 20th century, drawing inspiration from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels.
The convention, spanning three days, featured oyster and wine tastings, as well as panel discussions with the show’s cast and crew. Attendees also embarked on tours to visit filming locations, Montgomery’s birthplace, grave, and the Cavendish house that inspired “Anne of Green Gables.” Edward Lemon, assistant director of Fine Book Fairs, the organizer of the convention, expressed hope for the show to continue captivating audiences for years to come.
Mag Ruffman, reflecting on the convention, noted the emotional connection fans have with the show, emphasizing its enduring impact. Czajka, now sharing the series with her children, expressed joy in reliving the show’s magic with the next generation. She highlighted the rarity of finding a series that resonates across different age groups and the joy of watching it together as a family.