You're reading: Spruce lights up as Rockefeller Center tree

NEW YORK — An 80-foot (24-meter) Norway spruce that made it through Superstorm Sandy is getting its chance to shine.

It’s being lit Wednesday night as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

The
tree comes from the Mount Olive, New Jersey, home of Joe Balku, who
lost power and other trees during the storm at his residence about an
hour outside of Manhattan.

Wednesday night’s tree-lighting event
is scheduled to include performances from Rod Stewart, Cee Lo Green,
Mariah Carey and Tony Bennett, and appearances from Billy Crystal and
Bette Midler.

The first Christmas tree was set up in 1931 by
workers who were building Rockefeller Center. The first tree-lighting
ceremony was held in 1933.