GRAY — To hold an ice fishing derby the first thing you need is ice. And a lot of it.

With that in mind, organizers of the Crystal Lake Ice Fishing Derby have decided to hold off a month before inviting thousands out onto the lake.

Originally scheduled for this Saturday, the derby has been put off until Saturday, Feb. 25.

The Derby Board of Directors made the decisions based on the recommendation of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Chandler Woodcock. The problem with the ice, experts say, is that it is fine when only a handful of fisherman are out there.

But organizers of the Crystal Lake Derby say around 6,000 anglers are expected at the annual event. That’s a lot of weight on one patch of ice.

Benefits from the derby support Maine military families, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Hooked On Fishing program, and local community schools.

The fishing derby is not the only event postponed because of mild winter conditions. The annual Musher’s Bowl in Bridgton was also postponed until the middle of February. It was originally scheduled for last weekend.