Neighbor News
A Tale of Two Cities…and Two Trees
This December, two communities are celebrating their shared history, thanks to one family's gift of holiday trees.
This December, two communities are celebrating their shared history, thanks to one family’s gift of holiday trees.
Madison Square Park Conservancy trustee Sasha C. Bass and her husband Edward have generously donated a pair of magnificent trees to Madison Square Park in New York City and Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas. Through this gesture, the Basses hope to highlight a little-known connection between the two cities. Fort Worth is named for General William J. Worth, a New Yorker by birth who is interred in a 51-foot monument at Worth Square, just west of Madison Square Park.
Separated by some 1,500 miles, the two trees are set for their official lighting this Wednesday, December 6 at sundown. Two of the oldest such traditions in the country, Madison Square Park will be celebrating its 111th annual tree lighting, while Fort Worth will perform its 77th.
Find out what's happening in Gramercy-Murray Hillfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While Madison Square Park is believed to be home to the first illuminated public Christmas tree in the U.S., the Fort Worth tree also has bragging rights as the tallest holiday tree in Texas, coming in this year at 80 feet.
At the communal lighting in each city, live music (including a performance by Marie Osmond in Fort Worth), giveaways, and other family-friendly festivities will take place to ring in the season of cheer.
Find out what's happening in Gramercy-Murray Hillfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Our neighbors have been asking our team when the lighting will be for weeks,” said Holly Leicht, Executive Director of Madison Square Park Conservancy, the organization that raises 100% of park’s operating budget. “This event brings our community together every year, and we are so grateful to Sasha and Ed Bass for enabling us to continue this beloved tradition with our most beautiful tree in memory.”
Join us tomorrow from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the reflecting pool on the north end of the park for music and free treats from neighborhood partners (while supplies last), as we ring in the holiday season.
Around 5 PM, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and our local elected officials will lead the countdown to flip the switch on our 30-foot Concolor White Fir. Bring family and friends to what is sure to be one of the most joyous nights of the year.