The Tree Lighting – 2003
I attended my first and only tree-lighting ceremony in the winter of 2003 at Rockefeller Center. Our company had sponsored a trip for some of the top performers in our territory to spend a couple of days in New York City. In conjunction with the trip, we were promoting our new branding in New York, as we had recently opened a couple of new branches.I remember that the weather was really cold, which was surprising due to the number of people who attended the event. I have never seen so many people in one spot, packed like sardines. Fortunately, there was a festive mood in the air, and everyone was really friendly, contrary to what the common misconception is regarding the people of New York.
If I recall correctly, the tree was a Norway Spruce and was donated by Frances and Adolph Katkauskas from Manchester, Connecticut. The ceremony was, of course, televised by NBC, as their headquarters are located right at Rockefeller Center. This ceremony has occurred every year since 1931, when workmen decided to place a tree at the worksite of the center. It has been a yearly tradition ever since.
This year, there were 30,000 bulbs used to light the tree, which was 79 feet tall, weighed in at about 9 tons, and was 50 years old. Some of the entertainment at the event were Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson; the cast of The West Wing, who dedicated the tree lighting to the American soldiers fighting for freedom; Harry Connick, Jr.; Gloria Estefan; and Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard from American Idol. Al Roker and Ann Curry hosted the event.
While attending the event was fun, I think that I will be watching it from the warmth of my living room from now on. Unless I get another free trip…
Tags: new york city, Travel
samlawali