In her early days in Detroit, Patty Czajka was captivated by a Canadian TV show based on Prince Edward Island. Every Sunday, she would tune in to watch “Road to Avonlea” alongside her grandmother, with a particular fondness for Mag Ruffman, who portrayed Aunt Olivia on the show in the 1990s.
When Czajka learned that Ruffman would be appearing at a fan convention in P.E.I. dedicated to the series, she didn’t hesitate to secure a ticket. She described Ruffman as her childhood version of a Disney princess and expressed her excitement to be in P.E.I. for the event.
Fans of “Road to Avonlea” converged on the Island from various parts of the world for the fully booked convention. The acclaimed Canadian series, which aired in over 100 countries, debuted in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996.
The show revolved around the life of young Sarah Stanley, played by future Oscar winner Sarah Polley, who is sent to live with her late mother’s relatives at the turn of the 20th century. The storyline was loosely inspired by the novels of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
During the three-day convention, attendees indulged in oyster and wine tastings, engaged in panel discussions with the show’s cast and crew, and embarked on tours to filming locations and significant sites associated with Montgomery, such as her birthplace, gravesite, and the Cavendish house that inspired “Anne of Green Gables.”
Edward Lemon, assistant director of Fine Book Fairs, the organizers of the convention, highlighted the enduring appeal of the show, emphasizing its themes of kindness, friendship, and fellowship that continue to resonate with audiences even three decades after its conclusion.
Ruffman shared her sentiments on the profound connection fans have with the show, expressing her curiosity about the ongoing lives of the characters she portrayed. Czajka, now reliving the series with her own children, emphasized the rarity of finding a show that can be enjoyed by both parents and kids together, underscoring the timeless quality of “Road to Avonlea.”
