If your routine is to drive through downtown Joplin this evening, you’ll need to take an alternate route. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

The Downtown Joplin Alliance is holding Third Thursday tonight. Starting at 3:30 until 9 tonight, Main street will be shut down from 1st to 7th streets.

This month the DJA is celebrating summer with a “You Belong Here” festival. The annual recognition of the adoption of the City of Joplin’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Proclamation, will include ‘Joplin’s Table,’ a shared community space for all to sit and chat, and a Solidarity Walk.

Also, remarks from Mayor Pro Tem Kenan Cortez and other community leaders will take place at 6:15 in front of Joplin city hall.

There will also be a car show in the 100 block and an artisan market in the 600 block and over 20 food trucks expected to attend. Third Thursday gets underway tonight at 5:30.