Downtown Fresno's Arthop alternative ''Why Not Wednesday'' to debut next week

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Downtown Fresno Partnership is providing more details about the launch of a new monthly street fair beginning next week.

Organizers of "Why Not Wednesday" say it will transform Fulton Street into a vibrant pop-up market -- with local vendors, food trucks, artists, and live music on site.

The goal is to create a cultural hotspot.

But the event's debut was met with criticism. Comments on social media have drawn comparisons to past Arthops before the city cracked down on outdoor vendors in August.

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The new event was announced following changes made to Arthop -- which normally brought thousands into Downtown on the first Thursday of the month.

The city is supporting the new event, including the closure of a section of Fulton Street and additional officers for safety and trash services.

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The first "Why Not Wednesday" is happening on September 18.

It will be on Fulton Street from Mono to Fresno from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Vendors who missed out on this month can apply for future dates through the Downtown Fresno Partnership website.