An evergreen from Nova Scotia will take centre stage in Boston Thursday night.

The 82nd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting marks the 52nd year that the province has given a tree to the city as thanks for relief efforts following the 1917 Halifax Explosion.

The 40-year-old, 45-foot-tall white spruce was donated by Bette Gourley of Stewiacke and her family.

Provincial Premier Tim Houston will attend the tree lighting.

As well, Nova Scotia’s Celtic supergroup Còig and soul, hip hop, R&B, and Gospel artist O’Sound Lee, are scheduled to perform at Boston’s holiday kick-off.