Boston Tree Lighting ceremony showcases annual gift from Nova Scotia
The Boston Common in Boston, Mass., will shine bright Thursday night as that city marks its 80th annual Boston Tree Lighting ceremony.
This year's tree, a 60-year-old, 48-foot white spruce, was donated by L'Arche Cape Breton – a non-profit organization in Orangedale, N.S., that creates safe, supportive homes and meaningful work for people with disabilities.
"Nova Scotia will never forget the generosity shown by the City of Boston after the Halifax Explosion, and to say thank you, we send the annual gift of a beautiful Christmas tree," said Premier Tim Houston. "Nova Scotia has had a strong relationship with Massachusetts for hundreds of years, cementing dependable ties along the way. We are not only proud to share this history, but also our business exports, our creative industries and our remarkable landmarks with our United States neighbours."
The tradition of sending a tree to Boston began after the Halifax Explosion on Dec. 6, 1917 – when the Norwegian vessel SS Imo collided with the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with explosives, in Halifax Harbour.
The city of Massachusetts sent relief following the disaster, something Nova Scotia has been thanking them for ever since.
"The generous and selfless response offered by the people of Boston to the citizens of Halifax in the wake of the horror of the Halifax Explosion will never be forgotten," said Rodger Cuzner, Consul General of Canada in Boston. "This year marks the 50th anniversary of this sincere gesture of thanks from the people of Nova Scotia to the City of Boston, and the fabulous 48-foot white spruce, donated by the wonderful community of L'Arche Cape Breton, is every bit worthy for this occasion."
The tree lighting ceremony will be broadcasted to more than 200,000 viewers and attracts 20,000 people to Boston Common.
The event kicks off at 8 p.m. AST Thursday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.