Holidays
Dartmouth tree lighting event makes a move
The original Christmas tree remains at Sullivan's Pond
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This year’s fireworks went off over the Halifax Harbour instead of Sullivan’s Pond
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This year’s fireworks went off over Halifax Harbour instead of Sullivan’s Pond.The annual tree-lighting event in Dartmouth moved from its original setting at Sullivan’s Pond to Alderney Landing this year due to construction. However, the Christmas tree stayed behind.
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People wait for the tree to be lit.Saturday’s event began at 4:30 p.m. Sponsor TD opted for an artistic white replica this year and left the real tree at its original spot at Sullivan’s Pond.
Some people were unhappy with this decision.
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Joell Majeau with her mother, Robin Isaac, dressed festively for the event.“It’s a sad tree,” said Robin Isaac of the replica. Her daughter, Joell Majeau, agreed. “It’s a bigger area, but they should have a real tree.” Related stories
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Mercedes and her dog Missouri bundle up under Christmas hats.The line for the Kiwanis Santa Claus Express Train quickly built up as families waited for a turn.
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Lenny Langton looks out at the Kiwanis Santa Claus Express.Lenny Langton was waiting behind the barriers to see his wife and daughters ride past. He appreciated the ride, though not the long lineup.
“Hopefully, if they do the event here again they’ll have learned a bit of a lesson,” he said.
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Letrell, Bonnie, Ariana and Jamie pose with their dog Buddy.Langton said he liked the bigger area at Alderney Landing. “The pond took up the majority of the park, so before you’d be kind of crowded around the streets and sidewalks and on the grass.”
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Free hot chocolate and glow sticks were given out.A carousel situated in the heart of Alderney Landing was another option for fun.
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Two friends hold hands on the carousel.
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Karen and Samuel smile next to the carousel.Leading up to the tree lighting, Mike Cowie and Friends sung carols on stage with Nadia Moore. The audience joined in to sing and dance.
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Carols were sung on stage throughout the night.The stand-in tree was lit just before 6 p.m.
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The tree after being lit up.Immediately after the tree was lit, fireworks went off over the harbour. The colourful display was met with loud cheers from the spectators below.
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Spectators watch the fireworks from the edge of the harbour.
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Sofia