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December 3, 2004

Lighting Up Boston Common

Mayor Mennino, the Red Sox trophy and Peter Cetera
Mayor Mennino gets ready to light the Boston Christmas tree with assorted Red Sox players, the World Series Trophy, and Peter Cetera
A few days ago, Susanne and I ventured out after work to take part in the annual Christmas tree lighting in Boston Common. The ceremony, which was broadcast on TV locally as well as in Nova Scotia, is the continuation of a tradition in which the people of Halifax donate a Christmas tree to Boston in thanks for the role Bostonians played in helping Canadians who'd been wounded in the 1917 Halifax harbor disaster. On that December day nearly 90 years ago, a Belgian ship colided with a French ship carrying 200 tons of TNT. The ensuing explosion killed 2,000 people and injured thousands more. Because so many Bostonians were involved in the relief efforts, the city of Halifax now supplies a Christmas tree to Boston each year.

The lighting ceremony was a fascinating throwback to 1970s Christmas specials. A showcase of sub-par musical performances, uninspired caroling and melodramatic appearances by Mrs. Santa Claus, the event struggled to hold the interest of many people in the crowd. Peter Cetera from Chicago even showed up, singing a couple of songs rather ackwardly. Fortunately, there were a few fun moments. Grover from Sesame Street showed up and chatted with Mrs. Claus; for all of her kitschiness, Grover was downright hilarious. A group of Nova Scotian gaelic musicians also ripped through a great set of bagpipes, drums and dancing. A traveling troupe of Radio City Music Hall Rockettes added to the festivities, kicking their way through a couple of numbers. The weirdest performance, though, involved a bunch of people in penguin costumes singing about a penguin who hates the cold and exiles himself on a tropical island.

Eventually, the time came for Mayor Mennino to light the Christmas tree. Perhaps fearing he couldn't incite a critical mass of holiday cheer on his own, the mayor brought along some friends: a bunch of Boston Red Sox players, including Curt Schilling on crutches, and the World Series trophy. Putting up with 90 minutes of mediocre performances became thoroughly worthwhile as they held up that golden trophy and flipped the switch, lighting up the Christmas tree and decorative lights throughout the Common and the Public Garden.

So was it worth it? Sure -- particularly since we got to see the Rockettes, Grover and the Red Sox trophy in a span of 90 minutes. But would I do it again in colder weather? Probably not.... -andy

Posted by acarvin at December 3, 2004 7:44 AM

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