BY STAFF REPORTS

GORE, Okla. – The Cherokee Nation will host its first Bass Classic from 6 a.m. to noon on Aug. 18 at the Chicken Creek Campgrounds on Lake Tenkiller. 

The new event coincides with the 60th annual Cherokee National Holiday, a three-day festival held over Labor Day weekend in Tahlequah.

The tournament features drawings, door prizes and a plaque and cash prize for the biggest bass. Registration is $100 per boat for two team members, including one adult and one youth, between ages 3-18. Participants 16 and older must have a fishing license. Lake bass regulations apply.

“We would like to get the kids more involved in fishing to help keep them out of trouble,” John Mouse, Bass Classic coordinator said. “We want them to be able to see what the outdoors has to offer and give them an event to look forward to each year.”

Drawing for boat positions will be held at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Tsalagi Community Room behind the Restaurant of the Cherokees, located at the Tribal Complex at 17793 Highway 62.

For more information or to register, call Mouse at 918-822-2929.