In her childhood in Detroit, Patty Czajka was captivated by a Canadian TV series set on Prince Edward Island. Every Sunday, she and her grandmother would tune in to “Road to Avonlea,” with actress Mag Ruffman, who portrayed Aunt Olivia, leaving a lasting impression on her. Learning that Ruffman would be a guest at a fan convention in P.E.I., Czajka eagerly purchased a ticket to attend.
Fans of “Road to Avonlea” traveled from various parts of the world to the sold-out convention on the Island. The popular Canadian series, which aired in over 100 countries, premiered in 1990 and concluded its seven-season run in 1996. The show, loosely based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novels, followed the story of young Sarah Stanley, played 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.
The convention, spanning three days, featured oyster and wine tastings, panel discussions with the cast and crew, and visits to filming locations, 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, attracting those seeking an escape and a sense of fellowship.
For Ruffman, the convention was a poignant experience, witnessing the emotional connection fans have with the show. She shared that the cast and crew present were moved by the fans’ enthusiasm. Czajka, now introducing the series to her children, finds joy in reliving the show’s magic with her family, underscoring its timeless and rare quality in today’s television landscape.