Anne of Green Gables thrills visitors at Parks Canada site

Look for a crowd of visitors at Green Gables in Cavendish and chances are you will find Anne herself in the middle of the pack, like a magnet for fans of the story who have made the pilgrimage to Prince Edward Island.

Parks Canada has a full-time Anne and a part-time Anne on site from July 1 until Labour Day, both summer students who have landed the plum assignment of dressing up in an old-fashioned pinafore and straw hat, with the signature red braids and freckles.

This is the first summer as Anne for Christina Wakim, who worked for Parks Canada at Green Gables last season.

"It looked like so much fun," explained Wakim, who read Anne of Green Gables, the novel, in the third grade.

"If I was in uniform I would be explaining the house and the grounds themselves, but as Anne I get to do something completely different."

Wakim takes part in interpretive programming, like today's activity of making homemade ice cream. Other heritage demonstrations include crocheting, quilting, rug hooking, butter making and harness care.

As Anne Shirley, Wakim also strolls the grounds, stopping frequently to pose for photos.

"A whole bunch of questions about my freckles and my hair, if I'm real," laughed Wakim.

And lots and lots of photos.

"The first week or two my face really hurt but after a while you just get used to it."

Sometimes the visitors are moved to tears as they talk to Wakim, who stays completely in character as Anne Shirley.

"I like how this is everyone's life long dream, they come here, they've read the book 40 years ago, they saw the movie, they really love Anne of Green Gables," said Wakim.

Anne photo-bombed Kay Kelly and her family, much to their delight, as they were posing in front of Green Gables.

They're from Kansas - four generations of Anne fans - including Anne Kelly-Ball, who points out her name is Anne with an 'e'.

"It was probably the highlight of my life," agreed daughter Kelly-Ball.

"I've been a huge Anne fan all my life, so meeting her was a dream come true."

Monica Daigle, of Newmarket Ontario, loved posing with her daughter for a photo with Anne.

"It's probably going to be onInstagramandFacebookin about 3 minutes,"said Daigle.

That's good news for Kassandra McKinnon, the Parks Canada interpretation coordinator for Green Gables Heritage Place.

"Even just searching hashtag Green Gables or hashtag PEI Green Gables, and seeing my staff in other peoples' photos," said McKinnon."It's very very cool."

Parks Canada staff are doing surveys with visitors this summer at the site, including questions about the interpretive programming.

"Having Anne on site for these people is kind of that last little bit of omph that really makes the experience for them memorable," added McKinnon.