News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS TREE HUNT OF THEM ALL ----------------------------------------------------------------- It's described as 70 to 80 feet tall, 30 to 40 feet wide and perfectly symmetrical. It could be thriving in a backyard somewhere in the province. It's the perfect Christmas Tree and Nova Scotians are encouraged to assist in the hunt. If found, the tree will be the focal point at New York City's Rockefeller Center this December for the annual Christmas tree lighting. The event draws more than 300,000 people to Rockefeller Center every year presenting an unparalleled opportunity to profile Nova Scotia, said Economic Renewal Minister Robbie Harrison. "The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree ceremony offers the kind of focus that would give Nova Scotia and the tree growing industry a phenomenal boost ... and imagine the excitement and honor for the Nova Scotian who finds it," he said. All eyes should be on the look out for either white, red or Norway spruce. Anyone spotting trees fitting the proper description are asked to contact Gerry Joudrey at the Department of Natural Resources, (902) 424-4445 by April 15. Once found, the tree must be approved by New York City representatives. Keeping an eye out for the perfect tree is nothing new to a province that knows its trees. Lunenburg County has been awarded the designation of "Forest Capital of Canada" for 1996 and for the past 24 years, the people of Nova Scotia have supplied a spruce tree for Boston's annual tree lighting ceremony as a gesture of thanks for relief efforts after the Halifax Explosion in 1917. "Known around the world as 'America's Christmas Tree,' the New York lighting is certainly the most significant event in New York City during the holiday season and probably the most publicized Christmas tree in the world," said Mr. Harrison. "Providing the tree would reinforce the province's profile as a partner and a destination in a major U.S. market, just as we have done in Boston." Natural Resources Minister Don Downe has informed every tree growers' association in the province of the opportunity in New York, and, to increase the chances of success, every Nova Scotian is being asked to be on the look out for the perfect tree. -30- Contact: Marsha Andrews 902-424-4207 trp Mar. 08, 1996 - 10:25 a.m.