First Waterfire of the Season is Saturday!

PROVIDENCE — The Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) and the New England Hemophilia Association (NEHA) are pleased to announce that the first WaterFire of the season will be on Saturday, April 8, at approximately 7:20 PM. The Basin fire is in conjunction with the annual HFA Symposium, being held for the first time in New England, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, April 6–9, 2017. Over 1,300 people from around the country are expected to attend this event. 

The lightings include the circle of twenty-two braziers in the Waterplace Park Basin and the twelve braziers leading up to the Providence Place mall. Partial lightings usually include all of the braziers from Providence Place Mall to Steeple Street.

“The Hemophilia Federation of America is thrilled to be a part of the 2017 debut of WaterFire! We see this as a marvelous opportunity to connect with the Providence community, and further our outreach efforts to educate the local public about bleeding disorders. We will also be looking nationally as we recognize our network of 45 member organizations across the USA during the welcome ceremony.” – Kimberly Haugstad, HFA President and CEO

“As the local host member organization of the annual Symposium, we are excited to showcase to all attendees what Providence has to over, including the world-renowned magic of WaterFire! In addition, 12 downtown buildings will be lit in red to help raise awareness about hemophilia and other rare bleeding disorders to the general public and to warmly welcome all Symposium attendees to the Creative Capital!” – Rich Pezzillo, NEHA Executive Director

The event will begin with a torch and flag procession into a Ring of Fire to honor the member organizations of HFA from across the country who will be gathering in Providence; 45 member organizations will be part of the procession. There will be a display of art by children in the HFA community on the basin stage during the event.