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Community Corner

Countdown Begins To Faneuil Hall Marketplace and CBS Boston's WBZ-TV "Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular"

The countdown has begun for the “Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular” presented by Faneuil Hall Marketplace and CBS Boston’s WBZ-TV. The season’s first Holiday Tree Lighting in Boston will take place on Saturday, November 23rd at 7:30 p.m. IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 103 and NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association )of Greater Boston are the presenting sponsors of the festivities that  will be televised during a live 30-minute program on CBS Boston’s WBZ-TV and myTV38 (WSBK-TV.)

 

Thousands are expected to attend the daylong event leading up to the Holiday Tree Lighting located at Marketplace Center adjacent to Faneuil Hall. With special performances throughout the day, starting at 12 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus, to the live televised program co hosted by WBZ-TV News Anchors Lisa Hughes and Jonathan Elias, Faneuil Hall Marketplace will be a buzz of activity.  The tree lighting also launches Blink!, Faneuil Hall’s seasonally-themed, six week sound and light show.

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“The Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular and BLINK! are truly special events for the City of Boston and IBEW Local 103 is proud to be the presenting sponsor, alongside Mayor Tom Menino,” said Mike Monahan, Business Agent, IBEW Local 103.  “When the tree lights up the sky over Faneuil Hall Marketplace on November 23rd, we will be there to join in the joyous celebration and to show our commitment to the community.  For over 100 years, IBEW has been serving the electrical and communication needs of this dynamic city, so it was only fitting for us to support the largest holiday tree lighting in New England.”

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The “Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular” will also include a thank you to Mayor Thomas M. Menino for his 20 years of service to the City of Boston and to Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Mayor Menino will help “flip the switch” to light the 83-foot Norwegian Spruce, believed to be the tallest holiday tree in the Northeast.  The tree comes from a family in Smithtown, Long Island, whose property suffered during Hurricane Sandy. The tree was compromising their home and they chose to remove it as the fall season began to prevent further damage. The family was especially pleased that their tree will live on at Faneuil Hall Marketplace to create joyful memories for thousands.

 

Highlights from the televised program include live performances by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus conducted by Maestro Keith Lockhart, Grammy-award winning Singer/Songwriter Paula Cole, a visit from the World Series Champions Red Sox and the kickoff of the New England Patriots Annual Holiday Toy Drive.

 

In addition to IBEW Local 103, NECA and CBS Boston, other sponsors include the award winning Oynx  - a Kimpton HotelThe Boston Globethe Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular, the MBTA, and special thanks to the Boston Harbor Hotel for its support.

 

“We are very thankful for all of our sponsors as each one helps to support our Faneuil Hall Marketplace merchants many of whom have been at the marketplace for decades,” said Carol Troxell, president of Faneuil Hall Marketplace Merchants Association.  “We know that the tree lighting will be a special day for all of us and getting here will be easy if you ‘Take the T to the Tree’!”

 

The daylong festivities will kick-off at 12 noon with the arrival of Santa Claus and a performance from “A Christmas Story, The Musical.” The event will also offer a variety of live entertainment hosted by CBS RADIO Boston’s MIX 104.1 afternoon hosts Gregg Daniels and Fast Freddy, AMP 103.1FM’s DJ Joe Bermudez, with appearances by WBZ-TV news anchors  Kerry Connolly and David Wade, meteorologist Todd Gutner and reporter Michelle Roberts.

 

Schedule of Events for Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular, Nov. 23rd

 

Main Stage at Marketplace Center:

12:00 p.m.           Arrival of Santa Claus

                            “A Christmas Story, The Musical”

12:30 p.m.           Michael Maloney

1:00 p.m.             Reverse Order

2:00 p.m.             A ‘Cappella groups

                           Singer Aaron Tomashefsky & his band

3:00 p.m.            Inspiration Performing Troupe

                           Pitch Slapped A’Cappella Group

4:00 p.m.            Recording Artist LOU

 

West End Stage:

5:00 p.m.             Friends of Broadway Singing Group

6:00 p.m.             Jukebox Dancers

 

Main Stage at Marketplace Center:

7:00 p.m.             MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott and T Mascot Charlie

                            Recording Artist LOU

                            Paula Cole

7:30 p.m.             Live televised broadcast (WBZ-TV and myTV38 WSBK-TV)

8:30 p.m.             Sugarbabies Band

About Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the nation’s premiere retail destinations combining a rich history with innovative retail concepts. The cobblestone streets are lined with famous restaurants, ethnic food stalls and a wide variety of stores. Renowned for outdoor entertainment, Faneuil Hall has hosted many events and performances from acrobats and magicians to musicians and more. This one-of-a-kind marketplace has something for everyone and promises a memorable experience every time.

 

About CBS Boston’s WBZ-TV and myTV38

CBS Boston’s WBZ-TV and myTV38 (WSBK-TV) are part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation.

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