When Patty Czajka was a young girl in Detroit, she was captivated by a Canadian television series set in Prince Edward Island. Every Sunday, she would tune in to watch “Road to Avonlea” with her grandmother, especially admiring Mag Ruffman, who portrayed Aunt Olivia in the show during the 1990s.
Upon learning that Ruffman would be attending a fan convention on P.E.I. dedicated to the series, Czajka eagerly purchased a ticket to attend. She expressed her childhood admiration for Ruffman, stating that the actress was akin to her own version of a Disney princess.
Fans of “Road to Avonlea” traveled from various parts of the world to the Island for the fully-booked convention. The acclaimed Canadian show, broadcasted in over 100 countries, premiered in 1990 and concluded after seven seasons in 1996.
The event spanned three days and included activities such as oyster and wine tastings, as well as panel discussions with the cast and crew of the series. Attendees also embarked on tours around the Island to visit filming locations of the show, as well as significant sites related to Lucy Maud Montgomery, including her birthplace and the Cavendish house that inspired her renowned work, “Anne of Green Gables.”
Edward Lemon, the assistant director of Fine Book Fairs, the organizer of the convention, remarked on the enduring appeal of the show, attributing it to the values of kindness, friendship, and fellowship that it embodies.
Mag Ruffman, reflecting on the convention, expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response from fans, emphasizing the lasting connection people have with the show and its characters. She shared that even she occasionally ponders about her character, Olivia, and what she might be up to now.
Czajka revealed that she is now rewatching “Road to Avonlea” with her three children, relishing the opportunity to share a beloved show from her past with her own family. She highlighted the rarity of finding a series that can be enjoyed by both adults and children together, emphasizing the timeless quality of the show’s storytelling and themes.