Boston Celebrates Annual Tree Lighting
A 38-year tradition of gratitude and holiday cheer will continue Thursday, Dec. 3, as a 14-meter Christmas tree from Nova Scotia takes centre stage at the annual Tree Lighting ceremony in Boston.
The ceremony will take place on the Boston Common at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. in Boston) and will be televised to an estimated viewing audience of 300,000 on WCVB Boston Channel 5, an ABC affiliate channel available in Atlantic Canada on cable.
The Christmas tree is a gift to the City of Boston in recognition of the help provided in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion on Dec. 6, 1917.
"Relationships forged in times of crisis are strong and long-lasting," said Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. "Nova Scotia and Boston share traditions of culture and heritage as well as strong business and trade ties. I look forward to seeing this relationship grow and prosper."
This year's tree is a white spruce from Floyd and Elaine Shatford of Fox Point, Lunenburg Co.
"This has been so exciting," said Floyd Shatford of having his tree selected as the centrepiece. "To see other people enjoying our tree, just as we have for so many years -- it's breathtaking."
Nova Scotia Come to life is the title sponsor of the tree lighting ceremony and the exclusive sponsor of the WCVB broadcast that will provide exposure to the province through commercials and other on-air mentions. Highlights from the tree-cutting ceremony held in Nova Scotia can be viewed online at www.novascotialife.com/blog/boston-bound .
Before the tree lighting, a delegation from Nova Scotia will host a reception for businesses, media, university alumni, Nova Scotia expats and tourist operators. After the reception, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Const. Christine Pelly and Const. Nicholas Baker will lead a procession to the Common.
While in Boston, representatives from Nova Scotia Come to life met with members of the Boston Sounding Board, one of four advisory groups that provide input on how Nova Scotia is perceived in the board's market and give advice on how the province can best capitalize on opportunities within that market.