Lori McKenna, center, of Cumberland, marches with 300 torch bearers during the 2nd Annual “Flames of Hope” WaterFire last year.

The Providence Journal / Frieda Squires

The final full WaterFire lighting of 2008 will also be one of the most memorable.

On Saturday, WaterFire and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation are presenting the third annual “Flames of Hope,” a daylong series of events and activities designed to promote breast-cancer awareness. Highlights include a Kids & Family Block Party from noon to 4:30 p.m., a “Flames of Hope Torch Ceremony” at 6 p.m., and a wine and art gala from 6 to 11:30 p.m.

Both the block party and the wine and art gala will be held in the Flames of Hope Village, corner of Francis Street and Gaspee Street, across from the State House. The “Flames of Hope” torch procession will start at the State House and proceed down Smith Hill to Waterplace Park.

Music fans will also find plenty of interest, including a classical piano recital at Waterplace Park, live jazz at the Verizon Jazz Stage on Steeple Street, and a performance by the nine-piece horn ensemble Brass Attack at the Flames of Hope Village. (Times for most events are 6 to 11:30 p.m.)

Other highlights include a Cotton Candy Boutique with candy, clothing and other accessories; a sports memorabilia auction; a Flames of Hope VIP Party featuring food by some of Rhode Island’s top chefs, and a Candles of Hope celebration that will turn the lights in the State House rotunda pink. (Note: tickets for the wine and art gala are $30 per person; tickets for the Flames of Hope VIP Party are $60 per person.)

For more information, call (401) 861-4376 or visit www.gloriagemma.org.

Meanwhile, fans of Waterplace Park have reason to celebrate. The American Planning Association, a national community planning organization, has named the park one of the “Top 10 Great Places in America” for 2008.