Ninety years after the Halifax Explosion, Nova Scotians are still thanking the people of Boston for their help with disaster relief. Tonight, Nov. 29, a 50-foot white spruce tree from Granville Centre, Annapolis Co., will light up Boston Common as the city’s official Christmas tree. “Nova Scotians will always remember the outpouring of kindness and support from Bostonians in our time of need and we continue this tradition of giving a beautiful Nova Scotia evergreen as a gift of thanks,” said Bill Dooks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, on behalf of Premier Rodney MacDonald, at the event. “This event also lends itself to promoting Nova Scotia as an excellent place to visit, live, learn and do business. It allows us to build on our historic ties and create even more opportunities for both Boston and Nova Scotia.” Nova Scotia performers will showcase the province’s Celtic and Acadian cultures at the tree lighting ceremony. Siblings Kendra, Sabra and Troy MacGillivray, Mairi Rankin, Christiane Theriault and Scott Long will perform during the televised portion of the ceremony. It can be viewed from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. AST on Boston’s ABC affiliate, Channel 5 WCVB, carried by some Nova Scotia cable providers. The tradition began in 1971 and has become an opportunity to strengthen Nova Scotia’s economic position with the New England market. Before the ceremony, a reception for business clients will be hosted by a delegation of Nova Scotians from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Destination Halifax and Nova Scotia “Come to life”. Every year, the Boston Tree Lighting event captures the attention of thousands. Nova Scotia “Come to life” is proud to be the title sponsor of this years event. While in Boston, representatives from Nova Scotia “Come to life” will meet with the Boston sounding board. The sounding board is one of five advisory groups that provides input on how Nova Scotia is being perceived in the board’s market and gives advice on how the province can best capitalize on opportunities within that market. The meeting will provide an update on the initiative’s programs, upcoming plans for marketing and communications and an opportunity for input and feedback on topics relating to Nova Scotia.