(11.4) Head downtown Saturday for a WaterFire Salute to the Veterans. Opening ceremonies and speakers begin at the state house at 3:30pm. (Go here for schedule.) The Torchlight Procession and Ring of Fire follow at 6:15pm.

Starting at about 6:15 P.M., veterans from our community will process into Waterplace Basin led by the RI Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drums. Here they will join their brothers and sisters in arms to surround the basin in a ring of fire ceremony with a presentation of the colors as the National Anthem and a full music program is played by the Navy Band Northeast and the Governor’s own Army 88th Band on the basin stage.

A Veterans Resource Fair, featuring the Providence VA and United Way 2-1-1 among others, begins early on Washington Street.

Located on Washington Street and the Washington Street Bridge and opening at 3:30 p.m., the Veterans Resource Fair will feature organizations from across Rhode Island dedicated to providing services to veterans and their families. WaterFire invites Veterans, their families, and the public to come and learn about all of the amazing resources available to them – from medical care and job transition services to educational programs and Veteran’s family services.

Regular performers like the fire dancers and the origami master will be on hand. And don’t forget that the Stephen Hopkins House on Benefit Street is open for tours during WaterFire and remains open until 10pm. Free, but donations are welcome. The last tour begins at 9:30pm.

Ignition 6:15pm to 11pm, Saturday, November 4, WaterFire, downtown