Release #453-00

 

Contact:

Sunny Mindel /Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958

MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS 87TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
IN CITY HALL PARK

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and twenty-five children tonight lit up the City's Christmas tree, a 25-foot tall Douglas Fir, in City Hall Park. Also joining the Mayor for the festivities were Community Assistance Unit Commissioner Rosemarie O'Keefe, Administration for Children's Services Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Henry Stern, and Reise Organization President Dennis Riese.

"Tonight I dedicate this City Hall Christmas tree lighting - the first of the 21st century - to the men and women who have helped make New York City a place where the holiday spirit continues to inspire us all," Mayor Giuliani said. "In lighting this wonderful tree, we add to the splendor of our City - the beauty that makes it one of the greatest places in the world to spend the holidays. From the spectacular tree at Rockefeller Center to the celebrated window displays of our City's stores, New York embodies everything that is magical about the holiday season."

The lighting ceremony featured performances by the cast of Radio City Entertainment's "A Christmas Carol," students from the Dag Hammarskjold School P.S. 254, the New York Housing Authority Chorus, and the New York Police Department Band. The ceremony also celebrated the Day of Santa Lucia, a Swedish tradition that recalls the ancient Sicilian legend of Santa Lucia. Traditionally in Sweden, December 13th marks the Day of Santa Lucia, "the Queen of Light," in celebration of the return of light and hope to mankind.

On December 24, 1913, Acting Mayor Ardolph Kline invited a young boy to help him light the first Christmas tree at City Hall, beginning a tradition that continues today.

This year's City Hall Christmas tree is decorated with 120 red bows, 250 ornaments, and 10,000 white lights donated by Duane Reade. In other holiday observances, Mayor Giuliani will host a Kwanzaa celebration on December 12th and a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 21st.

Tonight's event was sponsored by The Riese Organization, Duane Reade, Dunkin' Donuts, and Drake Bakeries.

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