UTICA, N.Y. (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – Some lucky kids in Utica learned how to fly on Tuesday, thanks to a few local organizations. 

The Utica Royalties and JR Frontiers participated in the Drones in the Park program hosted by GreenUtica and the New York Power Authority’s, Energy Zone.

The kids, ages 8 to 12, spent the day learning how to fly these drones, while also learning about the kinds of career opportunities that exist for drone operators. The instruction was infused with races and obstacle courses to keep the kids engaged and having fun.

Indium Corporation was the event’s presenting sponsor; Mekenzie Rizzo of Indium explains why this event was the perfect fit for their organization to sponsor.

“Drones in the Park really aligns well with our corporate culture, and we’re really excited to be able to provide these types of opportunities to our youth for them to kind of learn more, and to see what types of career paths they can go through.” 

But the real magic happened at the conclusion of the event when the kids were told they would be going home with the drones.

And of course, the crowd erupted in cheer!

Congratulations to those groups and good luck out there but remember to always stay safe while flying!