Nova Scotia Holiday Tradition Continues in Boston

A Nova Scotia evergreen will be at the centre of a televised event in Boston today, Dec. 1, as an annual tradition of giving between Nova Scotia and Boston celebrates 40 years.

Every year since 1971, Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to the people of Boston in recognition of the help provided following the Halifax Explosion on Dec. 6, 1917.

This year's tree is a 45-foot white spruce from Ken and Donna Spinney of Central Argyle, Yarmouth Co.

"This is a special tradition for the people of Nova Scotia, one we look forward to every Holiday season," said Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. "It is an opportunity to strengthen and grow the strong bond that was forged with Boston during a time of crisis."

The deputy premier and members of the RCMP greeted Boston commuters this morning and encouraged them to attend the tree lighting and visit Nova Scotia. Major television networks were on site as thousands of Bostonians were treated to Nova Scotia gifts and music.

The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 8 p.m. Atlantic Time (7 p.m. in Boston) and will be televised to an audience of about 300,000 on WCVB Boston Channel 5, an ABC affiliate available in Atlantic Canada on cable. The annual tree lighting event draws another 20,000 to the Boston Common.

"It is so wonderful to have the tradition continue. All of us in Boston look forward to the arrival of Nova Scotia's gift every year," said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. "This kind of gift is in keeping with what the holidays are all about -- good will, friendship, showing appreciation, lifting someone else's spirits. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all our friends in the province of Nova Scotia."

For the fifth year in a row, Nova Scotia is the sponsor of the ceremony and the WCVB broadcast, providing significant exposure for the province.