Visitors to Westfield will discover and tour actual movie locations, participate in an Anne look-a-like contest, and imagine themselves in Avonlea with Anne. Kids will be treated to activities throughout the day and enjoy steam traction engine wagon rides. Well known children's authors, both past and present, will be available to meet, greet and enjoy readings through the day.
Westfield was the location for several scenes of the Sullivan Entertainment productions of Anne of Green Gables. Visitors will recognize Bright River Railway Station, the Hammond Sawmill, the General Store where Mathew bought Anne's Dress, the Church where Mathew's funeral was conducted, and many other buildings used in the films.
Anne of Green Gables was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in 1908. It is the first in a series of books about the beloved character, Anne Shirley. The series is comprised of eight books: Anne of Green Gables , Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne's House of Dreams, Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley, and Rilla of Ingleside.
There have been a few film adaptations of Anne of Green Gables over the years, but none can compare to the Kevin Sullivan production (1985), which is known for being most true to the original book. Anne of Green Gables was filmed in Canada, on Prince Edward Island (less than 5%!!) and in Southern Ontario (much or it at The Westfield Heritage Centre).
The film did so well that Kevin Sullivan and crew decided to continue the story. In 1987, Anne of Green Gables--the Sequel (renamed Anne of Avonlea in the United States) was released. To the surprise of many, this film was not nearly as true to book as its predecessor was. Nonetheless, it is a fine and wonderful piece of work.
Kevin Sullivan's two Anne of Green Gables films acquired quite a bit of a following, and everyone wanted to see more. In 1998, Sullivan heard their cry and Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story was born. The film aired in Australia (July 1999) and Taiwan (December 1999) before premiering in Canada in April 2000. Anne fans in the United States who were without satellite connections had to wait until July 2000 to see it. The ensuing uproar over the storyline was heard around the globe. There are many who were so disappointed with the film that they wish they'd never seen it! The three biggest complaints were that (1) the movie strayed too much from the books, (2) the timeline was completely out of joint, and (3) Anne was not herself. But then, there are many who maintain that the movie is wonderful, and they are quite vocal in their defense of the film. However, no matter what everyone thinks of the third installment, one thing is certain: everyone is aching for a fourth installment. For now, however, there is none planned.
