Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The 2026 Rossford Balloon and Fireworks Fest – America 250, which was slated to take place this weekend, has been canceled due to poor air quality, and it won’t be rescheduled.
“It is with profound disappointment that we announce the cancellation of the 2026 Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest – America 250, scheduled for this weekend,” event organizers said through a Facebook press release. “After carefully monitoring the latest forecasts and consulting with balloon pilots regarding flight conditions, the Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors (RCVB), together with City officials, made the difficult decision to cancel the festival due to hazardous air quality caused by widespread wildfire smoke.
“The health and safety of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors, sponsors, balloon pilots, public safety personnel, and staff must always come first. Hot air ballooning is an outdoor activity that depends not only on favorable weather, but also on safe environmental conditions. Unfortunately, these conditions are beyond anyone's control.
“We recognize how heartbreaking this news is. Many of you have made plans to attend, our sponsors have invested in this celebration, and our VIP guests have been looking forward to this special weekend. We share your disappointment. For the past year, countless volunteers, sponsors, partners, vendors, entertainers, balloon pilots, City officials, and RCVB Board members have devoted thousands of hours to creating what we hoped would be an unforgettable celebration of America's 250th birthday.
“As noted at the time of purchase, the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest is a weather-dependent event, and circumstances beyond anyone's control can make it impossible to safely proceed. This decision was not made lightly. It was made only after careful consideration of the available information and with one priority in mind—the health and safety of everyone involved. We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, entertainers, balloon pilots, public safety personnel, City officials, the RCVB Board of Directors, and the thousands of people who have supported the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest over the years.
“Thank you for your understanding, your grace, and your continued support of the Rossford community.”
