The Province of Nova Scotia says the Tree for Boston, a deeply rooted Nova Scotia tradition, hails from the aptly named community of Christmas Island this year.
This year’s tree is a 45-foot white spruce, donated by landowner Roddy Townsend, along with his children Angela, Carmen and Andrew.
“The holidays are a time of reflection and gratitude,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. “The Tree for Boston continues to be a sign of our deep appreciation for the aid Boston provided after the Halifax Explosion.”
The tree-cutting ceremony will be held Wednesday, November 16 on the Townsend’s family property at 8008 Grand Narrows Highway, Christmas Island, Cape Breton.
“We are grateful to Boston and beyond excited to be a part of such a wonderful tradition. We feel this is going to bring a lot of happiness to the surrounding communities.” said the Townsend Family. “The tree is such a special gesture of gratitude, hope and continuing friendship.”
Carmen Townsend, an award-winning musician, will perform a song she has written about the Tree for Boston, and a local Mi’Kmaq elder will conduct a smudging ceremony before the tree is cut.