PITTSFIELD - The Downtown Pittsfield Ambassadors are hitting the streets again this summer, helping people navigate the city.

Cheryl Mirer, Executive Director of Downtown Pittsfield Inc. said, "[They] welcome people, ask if they need help with the parking meters, if people need way-finding directions, where do I get a cup of coffee, what restaurants are open now.”

In addition to giving their usual helpful directions and information, Mirer says the ambassadors are making sure everyone stays safe during the pandemic.

“The police department purchases masks in large quantities. So they’ve given us at least 200 masks to start with, to hand out to people who might need one," Mirer said.

Foot traffic downtown has been lighter this summer, but for the ambassadors, the job remains the same.

Downtown Pittsfield Ambassador Alex Desrochers said, “For the people that live here, they look forward to seeing us. We’ve had a lot of people stopping us saying ‘oh my gosh, I’m so glad you guys are back, we always look forward to seeing you.’”

Fellow ambassador Melvin Wright said, “There are still going to be people who want to know what restaurants are opening with COVID, what aren’t open, you know, what store can I go to, what store can’t I go to. I feel like with that, that will still be there.”

Mirer says she’s optimistic enough people will be downtown this summer to help small businesses recover after being closed for months.

“With some of the things that Barrington Stage and Berkshire Theatre Group are doing, we’re hoping that we’ll see more people. Not as many as normal, of course. Hotel on North does have visitors, Holiday Inn does have visitors," Mirer said.