30th Anniversary of Boston Tree Lighting
For 30 years a Nova Scotia Christmas tree has taken centre stage at the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Boston. On Saturday, Dec. 1, that tradition continues at the Prudential Centre in Boston.
"This year's ceremony is a particularly special one. For 30 years we have celebrated our strong cross-border friendship at this tree lighting ceremony, and this year that friendship has never been more significant," said Premier John Hamm. "Following the tragic events on September 11th, Nova Scotians were able to return the assistance once shown to us by offering food, shelter, transportation and supplies to thousands of stranded airline passengers in Halifax, some of whom were from Boston."
The Boston tree lighting tradition began in 1971 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. EST (7 p.m. AST) at the Prudential Centre. Adorned with 18,000 lights, this year's 15.5 metre white spruce came from the property of Gerald and Iris Medicraft in South Alton, Kings 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 carry a half-hour broadcast of the tree-lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. EST (7:30 p.m. AST). Some cable stations in Nova Scotia carry the NBC affiliate WHDH-TV.
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Boston tree-lighting tradition, Nova Scotia will provide an expanded 25-minute entertainment segment as part of the hour long ceremony. Entertainers will include Jeremiah Sparks, 11-year-old Aselin Debison and Grand Derangement.
The premier will be speaking at this year's ceremony. Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman and Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald will also be attending on behalf of Nova Scotians.
"We look forward to participating in this event, which reinforces the special bond Nova Scotians have with the people of Boston," said Mr. MacDonald. "Our participation is also an opportunity to promote our shared history and culture and encourage continued tourism and trade with New Englanders."