The Binghamton Amateur Radio Association hosted an amateur radio Kids Day at the Vestal Fire Department Station #2 today.

Kids had the chance to use radio stations set up at the event to make calls to amateur radio operators across the world.

Organizers said the event was a big success, with about forty people in attendance.

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, allows people to communicate with one another through the use of radio frequencies.

"It's technology, but it's a different kind of technology, and it's a technology with some of the skills that are lost with cell phones and things. And we use ham radio for emergency communications," said Robert Hamilton, Deputy Director of Emergency Management at Vestal Fire. "We use it for spotters for the National Weather Service. Eyes on the ground for them. They're very important. And it's just a lot of fun to share the hobby."