WaterFire Providence begins again, only slightly diminished by the economy and looking for your help.

Officials Thursday announced nine full and four partial events this year.

“Our sponsors have been loyal and incredibly generous,” said Barnaby Evans, WaterFire’s creator.

Additional events, which cost about $120,000, may be added. The first full WaterFire is May 23, the last is Oct. 10. There will be six jazz concerts, and four nights of ballroom dancing.

The state is expected to level-fund WaterFire, with $300,000.

“It has been immune from some of the cuts for obvious reasons,” said Rep. Steven M. Costantino, the House Finance Committee chairman.

WaterFire’s economic impact is eight times its cost, according to Evans. But he said it needs money: yours.

Last year, the public contributed $36,000. Evans wants double that, selling not just candles and glowing necklaces, but also flowers. For a fee, you can sponsor a brazier and fill it between lightings with fire-colored blooms.

There will be three times as many WaterFire volunteers this year, and three times the opportunity to contribute.

“We need to let the public know. There will be a lot more interaction.”

— Bryan Rourke

This season’s schedule

Full fires:

Saturday, May 23

Friday, May 29

Saturday, June 13

Saturday, July 25

Saturday, Aug. 8

Saturday, Aug. 22

Saturday, Sept. 5

Saturday, Sept. 19

Saturday, Oct. 10

Partial fires:

Thursday, June 4

Tuesday, Aug. 11

All events begin

at dusk.