O Boston Tree

- Nov 16, 2011

A 14-meter, 48-year-old white spruce from Central Argyle in Yarmouth County has been delivered to Boston. Donated by Ken and Donna Spinney, the tree is Nova Scotia's gift to Boston, continuing an annual tradition.

"The people of Boston reached out to us during a dark time in our province's history and this beautiful Nova Scotia Christmas tree expresses our deep thanks, once again, for neighbourly help that will never be forgotten," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources. "I thank the Spinney family for generously providing this year's tree."

Teachers and students from Drumlin Heights Consolidated School, Ecole Pubnico-Ouest, and Ecole Bellville attending the tree-cutting ceremony recently to celebrate the tradition.

"It's wonderful to have this big crowd here in honour of our tree and it's just great to be part of the 40th anniversary of this Nova Scotia tradition," said Donna Spinney.

Yarmouth town crier Dave Olie rang a brass bell and delivered a declaration about the tree tradition while red-uniformed RCMP officers stood at attention. The gathering was addressed by Mr. Parker and District of Argyle Warden Aldric d'Entremont. Nova Scotia children's author Bruce Nunn read from his book Buddy, the Bluenose Reindeer and the Boston Christmas Tree Adventure. Tanya Davis, poet laureate for Halifax Regional Municipality, read an original poem written for the occasion.

The tree was transported by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal via the Digby ferry, across the Bay of Fundy to Saint John, N.B., then down through Maine and on to Massachusetts.

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 tree's travel route can be tracked online at www.gov.ns.ca. Photos of the tree at various locations en route will be posted on an online map. People can also follow the tree's progress on Twitter at @novascotialife .

The Nova Scotia tree will be lighted on the Boston Common on Dec. 1 at a ceremony attracting about 30,000 people and broadcast live on ABC television at 8 p.m. Atlantic time.

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