Children 12 and under are invited to register for the free kids fishing derby, new this year to the annual ice fishing derby put on by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club.

The event is open to the first 500 kids who sign up at the fishing derby Web site, www.icefishingderby.com. All participants will receive a free tip-up style fish trap from main sponsor ALR, a South-Portland based project management firm.

Representatives from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife will be present to provide kids with tackle boxes stocked with bait.

Kids will get to keep both the traps and the tackle boxes. In addition, each child who catches a fish will be awarded a blue ribbon.

The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb 23 on Thomas Pond adjacent to Alyssa’s Motel on Route 302 in Raymond. Vendors will be on hand selling food and hot chocolate. The motel will be offering parking, their garage as a registration facility, as well as Port-a-Potties.

Before the event takes place, the lake will be stocked with 10-to-11-inch brook trout by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and members of the Windham/Gorham Rod and Gun Club and the Sebago Anglers Society will drill holes in the ice.

The federal Department of Inland Fish & Wildlife has a programoperating in 30 states called “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs,” that encourages children to take up fishing.

“They’re going to get some good, solid instructions,” said Mike Ducette, president of the rod and gun club. Ducette said the derby will be safe and closely monitored by experienced adults.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to show them there’s a lot of excitement in the outdoors world, and they won’t have to depend on electronic games and media to entertain themselves,” said Ducette.

For more information call 1-888-ICE-FLAG, Dale Southard at 655-1030, or visit www.icefishingderby.com.