News release

40th Boston Christmas Tree to be Cut

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Ken and Donna Spinney of Central Argyle, Yarmouth Co., are providing Nova Scotia's big evergreen gift to Boston this year as the province celebrates the 40th anniversary of the annual Boston Christmas tree tradition.

A 45-foot white spruce will be cut at the Spinney property during a public ceremony Nov. 15.

"The tree-cutting ceremony is the first step in this wonderful yearly Nova Scotia tradition and I encourage everyone to join us," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources.

"I thank the Spinney family and look forward to seeing their tree being felled and packed on the truck for the journey to Boston."

The tree-cutting ceremony will include students from three Yarmouth County elementary schools, a town crier declaration and a storytelling and poetry presentation about the Boston tree. Provincial and municipal government representatives and RCMP, in ceremonial red serge, will attend.

"We are thrilled to be this year's donors of Nova Scotia's gift to Boston, especially on the 40th year," said Donna Spinney. "We look forward to hosting this fun ceremony on our property here in Central Argyle."

The tree will be cut and lowered onto a flatbed truck bearing a large, blue sign that reads The Nova Scotia Tree for Boston.

The truck will leave after being loaded to board the ferry at Digby. After it crosses the Bay of Fundy, it will continue through New Brunswick and the U.S. to Massachusetts. Elementary students and all Nova Scotians will be able to track the truck's progress online through website updates.

Each year since 1971, Nova Scotia has sent Boston a large Christmas tree in gratitude for help Bostonians provided after the devastating Halifax Explosion of Dec. 6, 1917. Boston provided medical personnel and supplies to help treat explosion victims.

The Nova Scotia tree is decorated on the Boston Common and lighted at a ceremony attracting about 30,000 people and broadcast live on television.

To learn more about the Yarmouth County tree cutting ceremony, visit www.gov.ns.ca .