PROVIDENCE – Gov. Donald L. Carcieri and First Lady Suzanne Carcieri will host the annual tree-lighting ceremony next Friday, Dec. 1, starting outside the State House.
For the first time in many years, the ceremony will feature a large outdoor tree, on the south or city side of the State House, where the ceremonies will beginas well as a large tree in the building’s rotunda.
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At 5:30 p.m., the St. Andrews School choir, from Barrington, will perform on the steps of the State House facing downtown. Then this year’s masters of ceremonies, WPRI-TV/Channel 12’s Steve Aveson and Karen Adams, will introduce Governor and Mrs. Carcieri, who will welcome visitors and begin the countdown to the simultaneous lighting of all the trees at abou 6 p.m.
There will be a total of 8 natural trees lighted for the holidays, plus an artificial tree in the State Room. (The trees have been donated by eight Rhode Island farms: Big John’s Tree Farm, South County Farms Inc. /Farmer’s Daughter, Hyde’s Christmas Tree Farm, Rossi’s Tree Farm, Shire Tree Farm, Greene Tree Farm, Orchard Valley Farm Inc. and Clark’s Tree Farm.)
The tree in the rotunda will be decorated with crystal ornaments, donated by Swarovski, in the shape of snowflakes and icicles. The rotunda will also feature a display of traditional December decorations from nations around the world.
Once the trees have been lit, the public will be invited inside the State House where children may visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cider and gingerbread cookies will be provided, and there will be a story teller and a holiday craft table for children.
