Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Available Online

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT--Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Available Online

Nova Scotians can take a virtual trip to Boston to enjoy the 32nd annual lighting of the Nova Scotia tree this holiday season. Beginning Dec. 6 the tree-lighting ceremony will be available for online viewing at novascotia.com .

The tree is an annual gift to the people of the greater Boston area for their assistance in the aftermath of the 1917 Halifax Explosion. This Dec. 6 marks the 86th anniversary of the explosion.

The tree-lighting event is a celebration of music, culture and friendship. It highlights the special ties Nova Scotia has with the New England area.

"This very special event allows us to showcase the best of Nova Scotia," said Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage. "We celebrate our shared history, while fostering continued tourism and trade with the New England area. It's an event in which all Nova Scotians should take pride, and I invite everyone to visit the website to experience this special ceremony."

Canadian Idol finalist Gary Beals will headline the Canadian entertainers on stage at the event, held on Boston Common. Mr. Beals will be joined by members of the Gaelic Pipe Band and Canada's foremost Acadian dance troupe, La Baie en Joie.

A special song has been commissioned by Macy's - the event's main sponsor -- to commemorate those lost in the explosion. Titled, Did you hear what they did to old Halifax Town, the song will be performed by Broadway star Adam Pascal.

This year's gift -- an 82 year-old white spruce -- was donated by St. Luke's Anglican Parish in Hubbards. One of the victims of the explosion -- 10 year old Aubrey Fish -- is buried in the cemetery at St. Luke's.

Nova Scotians can log on to the website now, and click the tree icon, to watch highlights of the tree's preparation and cutting.