The final WaterFire lighting of the season takes place Saturday, but not before a daylong series of activities celebrating breast cancer awareness month. It’s the 4th annual “Flames of Hope” event, sponsored by the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation.

Join hundreds of walker and runners at 10 a.m. for a 5K road race that starts at Station Park and winds its way through the downtown. Registration is 3 to 6 p.m. Friday and before the race on Saturday. For a map, visit www.flamesofhope5k.com.

Then, beginning at noon, there will be a kids and family block party in Station Park, with interactive fun for children of all ages, including balloon sculptures, special prizes and more. American Idol winner David Cook will be on hand at 2 p.m. to sign autographs.

The VIP tent opens in the Flames of Hope Village at 5:30 p.m., as torch bearers march from the State House, which will be lit in pink, to Waterplace Park where there will be a wine tasting, food, entertainment and a raffle. Tickets are $50 for the VIP tent, which includes a late-night reception with desserts. It’s $25 for just the desserts.

Also check out the Cotton Candy Boutique, featuring clothing, jewelry and accessories.

The fires will be lit shortly after that at around 6:18 p.m. and burn until 12:30 a.m. Fire dancer Spogga will be performing in the WaterFire basin, and you can enjoy some of Rhode Island’s favorite jazz bands on the jazz stage.

Last year, the event attracted more than 100,000 people, said Lynn Simon, a volunteer for the Gemma foundation. Call (401) 861-4376 for information.

— Channing Gray