By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,622)

Tonight the beautiful 55 ft. Blue Spruce tree recently sited in Monument Square will be officially lit during the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  The Ceremony kicks off at 5:30 pm, rain or shine.

The ceremony includes performances from the Maine State Ballet and Rick Charette and the Bubblegum Band and of course, a special guest arrived by Portland Fire Truck.   Following the entertainment, Make-A-Wish Maine will bring Nolan of Scarboough to the state to help light the tree.  Nolan is six years old and lived in the hospital for many months as he waited for a heart, which he received earlier this year.

This year’s tree was donated by Ryan and Heather Bridges of South Portland.  Next spring the city will plant a similar tree on their property to replace this one. The tree was chosen by the City of Portland’s Forestry section.

The Portland public library is open until 6 pm with their annual open house and complimentary refreshments.

Tonight’s ceremony is presented by MEMIC Insurance Company.