MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS 84TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY IN CITY HALL PARK
P.S. 10 Choir, Stuyvesant High School Band, "The Broadway Kids" and NYC Police Band Perform Christmas Favorites
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Community Assistance Unit Commissioner Rosemary O'Keefe, Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern and children from local public schools tonight lit up the City's Christmas tree, a 60-foot tall Balsam Fir which will illuminate City Hall Park throughout the holiday season. Also taking part in the holiday festivities were representatives of the Riese Organization which has generously donated New York City's official holiday trees for the past four years.
The Christmas tree, adorned by 10,000 multi-colored lights, was trucked from a tree farm in St. Johnsbury, in northern Vermont, fifty miles from the Canadian border.
"When we usher in the holiday season in this way--with children singing and people reaching out to one another--we're affirming what this time of year is all about," Mayor Giuliani said. "The lights, the singing and the tree are wonderful reminders and symbols of the generosity, tolerance and love for one another that truly make the season great.
"I want to thank Dennis Riese and the Riese Organization for their generosity in donating the trees that have stood in this park during the holiday season for the past four years," added the Mayor.
The evening festivities included performances by the P.S. 10 Choir, the Stuyvesant High School Band, the New York City Police Band and "The Broadway Kids," a special ensemble of young theater professionals. The young performers presented the Mayor with 100 tickets to their show to be used by the Administration for Children's Services to provide their children with a holiday musical treat.
Mayor Giuliani acknowledged the work and dedication of the "Friends of City Hall Park" for their efforts to protect and enhance this historic park. "By working hard now to keep the park looking its best and by planning for the future, you are precisely the kind of concerned, active and proud New Yorkers who keep our neighborhoods strong," said the Mayor.
On December 24, 1913, Mayor Adolph Kline invited a young boy to help him light the first Christmas tree at City Hall, beginning a tradition that continues today.
In the spirit of the holiday season, City employees donated toys in response to the Mayor's Toy Drive 1997. "One of the great qualities we hold common as New Yorkers is our willingness to help others," Mayor Giuliani said. "By your participation in Toy Drive '97, you demonstrate this spirit by bringing joy into a child's life."
Other sponsors of the event were World of Nuts and Chocolate, J&R Music World, LaVazza Coffee, Jenkins-Lucken Orchards and Martin's Handmade Pretzels.
In other holiday observances, Mayor Giuliani will host a Kwanzaa celebration on December 16th and a Menorah Lighting ceremony on December 29th.
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