Kaw Lake in Northeast Oklahoma's Green Country will host Crappie USA Inc.'s qualifying fishing tournament giving crappie anglers the opportunity to advance to a regional event and the Cabela's Crappie USA Classic, held in the fall each year.

But children 12 and younger will have an opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy nature, do a little fishing and win prizes, according to Kathy Tippin, executive director of the Kaw Lake Association. The fishing rodeo is sponsored by Eastman National Bank and the Kaw Lake Association.

"The event is free to all children 12 and under with all participants being eligible for a chance to win one of the four Crappie USA $5,000 scholarships to be awarded at the Cabela's Crappie USA Classic," Tippin said.

Children will receive a free Crappie USA Kids Rodeo t-shirt from Eastman National Bank, subject to availability. Participants may register in advance by contacting the Kaw Lake Association at 580.762.9494 (Ponca City) or 877.671.6985 (toll free outside of Ponca City).

Entry for the Kids Fishing Rodeo will be from 8-9 a.m. on May 10 at Pioneer Cove, and the tournament takes place from 9-11 a.m., Tippin said.

While the kids may be having lots of fun, Crappie USA and its anglers take the scholarships it awards seriously, contributing nearly $250,000 to the 'Crappie Kids' Scholarships since 1997, according to Darrell Van Vactor, president and CEO of Crappie USA.

"We are very proud to be a part of the education process for the youngsters who participate in our tournaments as adult/youth teams and those who fish in the Crappie USA Kids Fishing Rodeos," he said.