MAPLE LAKE, Minn. (AP) — Thin ice has forced the cancellation of a popular Minnesota ice-fishing contest.

The Maple Lake Ice Fishing Derby was supposed to be held this weekend. But organizers canceled this year’s event due to unsafe ice conditions.

Spokesman Nick Olsen says the annual event normally draws about 10,000 people.

Olson says other events — such as a pre-party Friday night and an arctic plunge into Maple Lake on Saturday — are still on.

Maple Lake’s contest is unique in that organizers allow participants to use fish houses and to take vehicles onto the ice. Olsen said that one car went through Maple Lake’s ice just after a decision was made to cancel the contest.

The derby is a fundraiser for the preservation of Maple Lake, located in Wright County. This is its 37th year.

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