YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A smoky haze hovered over Ford Lake on Thursday, bringing an unusual calm to Ford Lake Park in Ypsilanti Township, a venue that should have been packed with spectators and competitors for Row Fest 2026.
Instead, hundreds of boats sat idle as hazardous air quality, linked to smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires, forced organizers to postpone scheduled morning and afternoon races along the course between Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor.
“We’re at a wait mode right now, just waiting to see what’s going to happen,” said Christopher Tims of Wyandotte, who was among the athletes stuck on shore.
Tims said the heart of the sport is the quiet that comes with being on the water early in the day.
“The sport itself is just being on the water, the calmness in the morning,” Tims said. “We usually practice early, so pleasure boats aren’t out there. When the sun rises, it’s just you and nature.”
Participants said they were receiving updates from U.S. Rowing through text alerts and social media as decisions were made throughout the day.
While an air-quality delay wasn’t something many expected, athletes said they’re used to adapting to such conditions at national events.
“Every year we come to Row Fest, and there is something,” said Pam Jones of Alexandria, Virginia. “Last year it was wind, so we got delayed the first day. Before that, it was fog in Tennessee, and before that, it was high winds in Oklahoma City. Every year you have to be ready for a little variation in what’s going on.”
Tims said he was hoping to get an early start preparing before learning that access to the course was temporarily closed.
He and his daughter, Chelsea, were scheduled to compete in the father-daughter event.
“Competition from all over the U.S. is coming here to race,” Tims said. “I get to test myself against the country.”
Just before noon, Tims received the update he had been dreading: his competition on Thursday was canceled.
“Ah, another day,” Tims said. “We’ve got to work out, see if we can get some land training. We’ll adjust.”
Row Fest is a major draw for communities including Ypsilanti Township and Ann Arbor, bringing athletes, families, and visitors to the area. U.S. Rowing has canceled all races for Thursday, and start times for Friday had not yet been posted as of the latest update.
For the latest schedule changes and race information through the weekend, organizers are directing participants and the public to U.S. Rowing’s website by clicking here.