Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest
– America 250 Cancellation
It is with great disappointment that the Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau announces the cancellation of the 2026 Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest – America 250, scheduled for July 17–19.
We made this difficult decision in consultation with City of Rossford officials, emergency management personnel, and the Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors due to hazardous air quality conditions caused by widespread wildfire smoke. The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, vendors, performers, balloon pilots, and staff must always be our highest priority.
While weather-related decisions are never easy, the conditions are beyond our control and do not allow us to safely present the event that our community and visitors have come to expect.
We know this news is deeply disappointing. Thousands of people had planned to attend, and we are especially grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, vendors, entertainers, and everyone who worked so hard over the past year to make this year's festival possible.
VIP Ticket Holders and Sponsors should note that, as stated at the time of purchase and in our sponsorship agreements, the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest is a weather-
dependent event. Significant event expenses—including advertising, entertainment, equipment rentals, and other non-refundable commitments—have already been incurred. As a result, VIP tickets and sponsorships are non-refundable.
We sincerely appreciate the understanding and continued support of everyone who believes in this event. Your investment makes it possible for us to bring unique experiences to our community year after year.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support during this unfortunate situation. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for future Rossford events and to celebrating together when conditions allow.
For additional information, please contact:
Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau
Phone: 855-765-5451
Email: bethgenson@visitrossfordohio.com
Thanks for attending the 2025 event.
2025 Photos and Videos
Event Canceled
The Sky Comes Alive! Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest – America 250 Returns July 17–19 with New Location, New Heritage Day, and Three Days of Family Fun
ROSSFORD, OHIO – Get ready for one of Northwest Ohio's most spectacular summer traditions! The 2026 Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest – America 250 returns Friday through Sunday, July 17–19, with an exciting new location, an expanded schedule, and three unforgettable days celebrating America's 250th Anniversary.
The festival will be held on the southeast corner of Crossroads Parkway and Bass Pro Boulevard in Rossford, just south of Toledo at the intersection of I-75 and the Ohio Turnpike (Exit 64). Admission is FREE.
Parking & Arrival
Because this year's event is at a new location, guests are encouraged to follow directional signage upon arrival.
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$10 Event Parking is available adjacent to the festival grounds.
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FREE parking is available at the Crossroads Shopping Centre on State Route 20, with complimentary shuttle service provided by Rossford Schools throughout the event.
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The festival is held outdoors in a grassy field, so guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Please note: Outside food, beverages, and coolers are not permitted. Service animals only.
Friday & Saturday Nights: Balloons, Music & Fireworks
Festival hours are 5:00–11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Heritage Day is Sunday - Details here.
The excitement begins at 5:00 PM with Pilot Meet & Greets, where visitors can meet the balloon pilots and collect commemorative hot air balloon trading cards. Sponsored by Laramie & Sons Cards & Collectibles.
At approximately 6:30 PM, colorful hot air balloons will ascend into the evening sky (weather permitting), followed by a breathtaking Balloon Glow at 9:00 PM and an incredible Disney-level Pyro-Musical Fireworks Spectacular at 10:00 PM, featuring synchronized aerial and ground effects choreographed to music, sponsored by the City of Rossford.
Live entertainment includes:
Friday
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Amelia Airharts
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North of Nashville
Saturday
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Arctic Clam
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Distant Cousinz
Families will enjoy the Kid's Activity Area, open 5:00–9:00 PM all three days, featuring bounce houses, carnival games, circus performers, face painting, balloon artists, and more. Wristbands are required.
The Kid's Activity Area is sponsored by Meijer Rossford and Spitler Huffman LLP.
Car Show: 100 Years of Automobiles 1920’s to 2020’s – 2-5 PM
Sunday in the parking lot of the Carpenters Union Hall, 9278 Bass Pro Blvd., Rossford.
Sponsored by Millbury Classic Cars & Trucks Museum
The show includes:
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Dash plaques for the first 200 vehicles
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People's Choice Awards
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50/50 raffle
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Prize drawings
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No registration fee
Participants should enter Bass Pro Boulevard from Lime City Road and may begin arriving at 1:30 PM.
Experience the Festival Like a VIP
A limited number of VIP Tickets are still available for Friday and Saturday evenings.
For $50, guests receive:
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Private parking
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Reserved tented seating on the balloon field
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One tethered hot air balloon ride
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Snacks and bottled water
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A commemorative goodie bag
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Front-row viewing of the Balloon Ascensions, Balloon Glow, and Pyro-Musical Fireworks
VIP Tickets are available here
Food, Fun & Family Entertainment
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy:
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More than 20 food trucks sponsored by Hollywood Casino Toledo
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Beer Garden sponsored by YaYa Smiles
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Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides sponsored by Cutting Edge Countertops and Renewal by Andersen
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Digital Signage sponsored by The Meadows of Perrysburg
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Vendors, exhibitors, live music, family activities, and much more
Event Canceled
Event Canceled
Hot Air Balloons 2026
Meet the Magic Behind the Balloons!
Welcome to the heart and soul of the Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest—our amazing hot air balloons and the pilots who fly them!
From colorful classics to creative showstoppers, each balloon has its own story—and so does the skilled pilot guiding it through the sky. Scroll down to meet the talented crew, see the balloons up close, and get to know the high-flying heroes who bring the magic to life!
America Celebrates 250 Years
Darkstar
Sponsored by: Camping World
Pilot: Space Joseph Clark
Balloon Name: Darkstar
What got you started?
Grew up watching and helping launch balloons from Cherokee Park in Brimfield, Ohio. I have always been fascinated with anything that flew. Fast forward 30 years, and I began flight crewing for heaven-bound ascensions. My first balloon ride was in late 2022. Upon landing, I immediately applied for my student license. I earned my private pilot license in 2024, followed by my commercial pilot license in early 2025.
How did you name your balloon?
Inspiration was taken from Star Wars and Spaceballs movies. Additionally, the balloon glows spectacularly at night.
Event Canceled
Jabberwocky
Sponsored by: City of Rossford
Pilot: Andrew Barnum
Balloon Name: Jabberwocky
How did you choose and name your balloon?
Just came to us. Name of the monster in Alison Wonderland. It’s from a Lewis Carroll poem. Beware of the Jabberwocky.
How long have you been involved in ballooning?
42 Years
What got you started?
Crewing for my dad.
How many events do you participate in a year?
4-6 a Year.
Describe your ideal flight.
Evening flight, 5-6 mph wind. Great crew. Taking off and landing on manicured short grass.
What is your most interesting ballooning story?
Crewing for the Mr. Peanut balloon and flying out of Central Park, NYC.
Shenanigans!
Sponsored by: Pin Seeker Indoor Golf
Pilot: Elizabeth McClurg
Balloon Name: Shenanigans!
How did you choose and name your balloon?
Well, I went back and forth between a few, but in the end Shenanigans just fit. It fits my crew and me well. We like to have fun and bring joy with us.
How long have you been involved in ballooning?
4 Years
What got you started?
A good friend of mine found out he needed a serious medical pro that would stop him from crewing for 8-12 weeks, he asked if I'd be willing to come learn. I said sure and crewed for the first time on January 31, 2021, it was 4 degrees! I got to fly with the pilot for part of the ride and had a wonderful experience with the group. I crewed for that pilot and several others over the next few months and that was it. I did in May of 2021, bought my balloon in July and took my written exam in October. I started lessons the following May and took my private check ride in September of 2022.
What is your most interesting ballooning story?
My most interesting balloon story would be my first time flying in West Virginia. It was my first time flying at varying altitudes, and it was a real experience. Learning how the balloon responded differently and how the winds changed differently was something I was excited to experience and learn. My sponsor had me fly two riders each flight, which was another first for me in event experience. I had successful and fun flights and realized I was capable of understanding and reading different winds, which I was a little concerned about prior to the event. It was a really great time.
2026 Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest – SCHEDULE
Event Canceled
Event Canceled
SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Imagine the sky painted with vibrant balloons during the day and dazzling pyro musical fireworks displays lighting up the night. Sounds amazing right?
Ever dreamed of having a hot air balloon named after your business? A pyro musical fireworks show that you help bring to life? A live musical performance with your name on it? Now's your chance! And there are so many perks and benefits for your business!
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, there are promotional packages starting at $1,500. Click here to access all the details:
For more information contact Beth Genson, Director of the Rossford Convention & Visitors Bureau and committee chair at bethgenson@visitrossfordohio.com or call her cell phone at 419-308-7530.
Event Canceled
DONATE to the 2026 ROSSFORD BALLOON & FIREWORKS FEST!
We are thrilled to invite you to be a part of something truly magical; the 2026 Rossford Balloon & Fireworks Fest! Any amount helps. Your generous donation will directly support the festival's activities and local causes. A portion of the money raised will benefit the Wood County Firefighters Association. Knowing that you've contributed to an event that brings joy and benefits the community is priceless!
