On the hunt for the next creative and original K’Nex model, the construction toyco is kicking off its annual K’Nexpert Search contest for kids five to 12.

There will be a trio of winners in three different age groups: five to six, seven to eight and nine to 12. Each winner will take home a US$10,000 college savings bond, along with a trip to the K’Nex HQ for the award ceremony and a factory tour. Seven other winners will win US$1,000 to put towards their college funds and 10 winners will receive US$250 worth of free K’Nex Building Sets along with their own photo gallery at www.knex.com. Semi-finalists and finalists will receive discounts on online purchases for a year, K’Nex gear and a K’Nex birthday gift.

Participants must submit an entry in one of four building categories–Futuristic, Vehicles, Amusement Park Thrill Rides and Ultimate K’Nex Model. The models will be judged on creativity, uniqueness and detail.

The 2010 contest will run from now through September 15 and the winners will be announced on November 10. For more info, check out http://www.knex.com/club/becoming_knexpert.php.