Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and five children from City-funded day care programs tonight threw the switch lighting the City's Christmas Tree, a 25-foot tall Douglas Fir, in City Hall Park. Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, Administration for Children's Services Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Community Assistance Commissioner Rosemary O'Keefe, and Riese Organization President Dennis Riese joined Mayor Giuliani for this evening's festivities. The ceremony featured musical performances by the United Miracle Choir of the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, the Dag Hammarskjold School P.S. 254, the NYPD Band, and the New York City Housing Authority Youth Chorus.
"For the 86th time, New Yorkers have gathered to light the City's Christmas Tree," Mayor Giuliani said. "In a City that has no shortage of holiday traditions, this tree lighting is one of my favorites. This year, we are in a newly restored City Hall Park, reminiscent of the time when this tradition began in 1913. As we reflect upon the past year and the end of the millennium, I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy holiday season."
On December 24, 1913, Mayor Adolph Kline invited a young boy to help him light the first Christmas Tree in City Hall Park, beginning a tradition that continues today. The Douglas Fir came from the Cream Ridge Nursery in New Jersey and was decorated by New York City School Children. For the first time, the City Hall Christmas Tree will be alive during its stay in City Hall Park, following a successful transplant.
The tree lighting marks the first such ceremony to take place in City Hall Park since its year-long renovation was completed in October. The event was sponsored by The Riese Organization, J&R Music World, Dunkin' Donuts, and the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association. In other holiday observances, Mayor Giuliani will host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony tomorrow and a Kwanzaa celebration on December 17.