Rock With Nova Scotia in 2010

This year marks the 8th year that representatives from Nova Scotia have joined in with the City of Boston to present the Christmas tree on Boston Common. It is also the 38th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor.

For 38 years, Nova Scotia has donated a giant evergreen to the people of Boston as a thank you for their assistance following the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Within 24 hours of the disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia. This also marks the 91st anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.

The tree has traditionally comes from a private land owner and the final selection is made by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources based upon the following specifications:

• Balsam fir, white spruce or red spruce
• Twelve to fifteen meters (40-50 feet) in height
• Healthy with good color
• Medium to heavy density
• Uniform and symmetrical
• Easy to access.

The tree is then transported to Boston by the Province of Nova Scotia and delivered to the Boston Common. Once erected, “The Nova Scotia Tree” is decorated with thousands of lights and becomes the focal point of the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony.