LEWISTON – The Kora Temple Shriners were zipping through red lights and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Tiny race cars squeezed down Lisbon Street weaving figure-eights. Miniature big-rigs sped from one block to the next, screeched to a halt and headed back.

Some were chased by the Kora Krazy Kops.

But they weren’t issued tickets.

Dozens of Kora mini-cars, along with Corvettes, emergency vehicles and clowns promenaded down Lisbon Street as part of the Festival de Joie’s Prelude 2003 on Wednesday evening.

The parade, which lasted about an hour, drew more than 1,000 spectators. Some were young, others were old and many were Franco-American. The festival-goers lined Lisbon Street with lawn chairs, ordered dinner at the sidewalk cafes and listened to the tunes. They came to celebrate their heritage, language and the history of the Franco-American culture in Lewiston.

“We start out for the parade, but it’s the spirit of it all,” said 65-year-old Lou Beaulieu, who attended the parade with her sister and sister-in-law.

The three women have attended every festival since the inaugural year. They come for the parade, but stay for the Franco-American music and food.

The Festival de Joie, which is known as a celebration of Franco-American food, music and entertainment for all ages, reunites old friends and brings generations together.

Peggy Deblois attended the prelude with her husband, children and mother. The 39-year-old remembers visiting the downtown shops with her mother when she was younger. She has vivid memories of shopping at the retail stores, going to the hair dresser and walking down Lisbon Street.

It’s a memory that she can preserve by attending the parade; a memory that she can pass to her children; and a memory that she can share with her mother.

But it’s also a time for strengthening old friendships.

“We come every year to socialize,” said Norm Gagnon, who was attending the prelude with his wife, JoAnn.

“And being senior citizens, it gets us walking and out of the house,” he chuckled.

Gagnon stumbled upon three friends while walking down Lisbon Street waiting for the parade to begin. They hadn’t seen each other since last year’s festival and immediately indulged in their memories of the past.

Other spectators, including a local artist who said his name is Joshua 2, came to the festival for its uniqueness.

“I’ve been to many different cities and a festival like this is a rarity,” said the 44-year-old. “It’s good to see that a common background can bring this many different people out.”

The 11th annual Festival de Joie will continue Thursday evening with prelude 2003 activities, including strolling musicians, horse-drawn wagon rides and sidewalk cafes, which are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Lisbon Street. The festival will kick off Friday evening.

For more information, visit www.festivaldejoie.org.