Boston Tree Finds New Home

Nova Scotia's annual gift to Boston is moving to a new home on the Boston Common this year. For the past 30 years, the traditional holiday tree stood in front of the Prudential Center.

"This event has very special meaning for both the people of Nova Scotia and Boston and we are thrilled to see it continue," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture.

The province will now partner with the City of Boston to stage the annual event. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST, on the Boston Common.

"We are very pleased to work with the City of Boston to provide our annual gift of a giant evergreen as a thank you for assistance following the Halifax Explosion," said Mr. MacDonald.

The Boston tree lighting tradition began in 1971 when Nova Scotia offered one of its native evergreens to Boston as a gift of thanks for the help provided after the 1917 Halifax explosion. The result of a wartime collision between two ships in the harbour, the explosion killed and seriously injured thousands of people and left many more homeless. Among the first to respond were the people of Boston, who sent a complete relief expedition.

Each year, the Department of Natural Resources is responsible for finding the perfect tree.

"Many individuals within government and from other organizations work very hard to make this gift possible," said Natural Resources Minister Tim Olive. "This year's tree is a beautiful 40-foot white spruce, which has been generously donated by the Veinotte family."

The Veinotte family of West Northfield, Lunenburg Co., are especially pleased to be part of this tree-giving tradition. They have donated their tree in memory of Ervin Veinotte, who started the family Christmas tree industry more than 40 years ago.

"My father would have been very proud today to see this tree being harvested for Boston," said Allan Veinotte, co-owner of the property with brother Kevin. "My Grandfather travelled to Halifax from Northfield after hearing the news of the Halifax explosion and stayed for many days to help with the clean up efforts. It is an honour to be granted this privilege to supply this year's tree."

The tree will arrive in Boston on Nov. 26. As in previous years, Nova Scotia will host an entertainment segment during the tree- lighting ceremony. A live one-hour broadcast of the event will air at 7 p.m. EST (8 p.m. AST) on the U.S. television station ABC. The televised event will feature Nova Scotia entertainment and stories about the Halifax explosion. Some cable stations in Nova Scotia carry the ABC affiliate WCVB-TV.