Boston Tree Lighting Tradition Continues

A Nova Scotia Christmas tree takes centre stage at the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Prudential Centre in Boston.

"Nova Scotians have never forgotten Boston's generosity and compassion at a devastating time in our province's history," said Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm. "This gift of thanks enables all of us to show our appreciation and captures the true spirit of the season. It's a tradition we're pleased to share with each new generation."

The tradition began 29 years ago, when the province of Nova Scotia offered one of its native evergreens to the people of Boston as a gift of thanks for their help after the 1917 Halifax explosion. The result of a wartime collision between two ships in the harbour, the explosion killed and seriously injured thousands of people and left many more homeless. Among the first to respond were the people of Massachusetts, who sent a complete relief expedition.

Prudential Insurance Company of America sponsors what has become Boston's signature holiday event. The Prudential Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony begins at 6 p.m.(Eastern Time) at the Prudential Centre. Adorned with some 18,000 lights, this year's 50-foot white spruce came from Pauline and George Himmelman in Petite Riviere, Lunenburg Co.

This event draws thousands of local residents and visitors from across the region to Boston's Prudential Centre. The U.S. television station NBC, will also broadcast the tree lighting live during a half-hour television special. Some cable stations in Nova Scotia carry the NBC affiliate WHDH-TV, with the broadcast to air at 7:30 p.m., local time.

Nova Scotia music and dance will be featured during the televised special. A group of talented drummers, pipers, Acadian and Celtic dancers, will join 10 year-old Cape Breton singer Aselin Debison in performing traditional Christmas carols with a Nova Scotia flavour.

"Nova Scotians continue to enjoy a special bond with the people of Boston -- a bond of family, friendship, business and culture," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "Our participation in this event is an opportunity to promote our shared history and culture and encourage continued tourism and trade with New Englanders."