Christmas tree for Boston coming from Antigonish County
Posted Nov 17, 2024 01:03:47 PM.
Last Updated Nov 17, 2024 01:03:52 PM.
The historic Tree for Boston will come from Mattie Settlement, Antigonish County, this year. The 13.7-metre white spruce will be donated by landowners Hugh and Liz Ryan.
“We have watched this tree grow from a young sapling to its present height for the last 30 years,” the Ryans said. “We are happy and proud to donate this tree to Boston as a heartfelt thank you for all the help received during a great hardship in Halifax.”
The Tree for Boston is the Province’s annual thank you to the City of Boston for sending medical personnel and supplies to Nova Scotia immediately following the Halifax Explosion. On Dec. 6, 1917, two ships collided in Halifax Harbour causing a mass explosion that killed over 2,000 people and left hundreds severely injured and homeless.
Within hours Boston sent immediate medical aid and relief supplies to Nova Scotians. In response to the comradery, since 1971 Nova Scotia has gifted a Christmas tree back to Boston to be decorated on display.
The public is invited to attend the tree-cutting ceremony on Nov. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in Mattie Settlement. The event will begin with a smudging ceremony led by Trevor Gould of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.
