LEWISTON – Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection will appear for the first time at the 13th annual Festival de Joie.

Plans are being finalized for the festival, with less than seven weeks to go. Festival Chairman Lionel Guay said there are still openings for street vendors and crafters for Wednesday, Aug. 3, on Lisbon Street.

That evening will feature the official opening ceremonies of the five-day celebration as well as a large parade, street dancing and entertainment. Anyone interested in being part of the parade may contact the festival office.

This year’s concert by the “Just Us” entertainers will be held at Railroad Park on stage number one. And there are a few openings still available for crafters who want to take part in the festival.

The dates for this year’s event are as follows: Prelude 2005 starts Aug. 3, and Aug. 4 moves to Railroad Park for a concert. The festival will run from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 5 to 7. Weekend admission buttons will go on sale at selected locations starting July 10.

The festival organizers will hold a volunteer meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, June 20, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 150 East Ave.

Between 175 and 200 volunteers are needed to make the event successful, so organizers are asking anyone interested in giving a few hours of their time to attend the meeting or contact the festival office.

Additional information concerning Prelude 2005 and the Festival de Joie are available by calling 782-6231 or going to the Web site at www.festivaldejoie.org.