Among watch parts and antique bikes are light-emitting diode lights beating down on older white haired women banging their heads to Chappell Roan. Colorful sequined dresses shake and shimmy alongside plaid tuxedos and the occasional cowboy hat. The room smells of red wine and the signature drink, a lavender cocktail. “Pink Pony Club” fades into Journey. The dance floor erupts into “Don’t Stop Believing.” 

This scene is the ninth annual Breezers Ball in Waltham, Massachusetts. Just under 200 Waltham residents gather in the Charles River Museum of Industry to give thanks to the city. This tradition began when Mike Bundy, owner of Long Life Auto Repair, called together a group of Waltham business owners and residents to figure out a way to show gratitude for their home. The Breezers Ball formed just a few minutes walk from where the event would take place, over coffee at Cafe on the Common. Among this task force was Luke Stanton, a Waltham city attorney and longtime youth hockey coach. Stanton explained in a March 1 interview with The Justice that the idea for the Breezers Ball sprouted from appreciation for Waltham. He said it is a way for “people who are not from Waltham to thank the city.” 

The term “breezer” is used to identify a person who is not from town but has moved to the area. Stanton and the rest of the eight person posse who came up with the idea are all “breezers” who have since put down roots in Waltham. 

Over a quarter of Waltham’s population are foreign born and since 2010 the city has grown in population by almost 5,000 residents. There are a lot of breezers inhabiting the community and the ball is meant to be a place to find solidarity in their newfound home. 

The group initially planned to sell 140 tickets in order to break even on expenses that first year in 2014. They were shocked with the interest and ease of selling those tickets. They have since been making the ball “a little bigger and a little better” each year since, says Stanton. All proceeds are donated to the Waltham High Scholarship Fund. 

This year there were two full service bar tables and 20 different local restaurants offering tastings, such as Sweet Basil, Gustazo Kitchen and Bar, Panela de Barro and more. There was also a homemade vanilla and chocolate cream cheese frosted cake. Two high school students of The Culinary Institute, an initiative within Waltham public schools, manned the food tables. The girls danced to Shakira as they spooned mac-and-cheese and fried rice onto partygoers plates. The Disc Jockey, Greg Shaw, is a local Waltham resident who performs in venues throughout the Greater Boston area. He performs at the Breezers Ball for a reduced cost. 

The Cupid Shuffle ended and bachata hip hop filled the room. Waltham native Jonathan Paz, former city councilor and candidate for mayor, takes to the dance floor. His dance partners change but his smile and vigor does not fade. He says he loves the ball and wonders, “Why does it take Breezers to throw the best party in town?” 

A couple of young women in sparkling blue dresses sip wine before strutting in tall silver boots to the center of the dancing. Their names are Jessica Weaver and Rachel Sampson. Sampson is an engineer new to the area and this is her first ball. “I’m having a great time,” she said as she giggled with Weaver. She emphasized how surprised she was that Waltham hosted such a bustling party. 

The variation of guests is extensive. There is a group of men in multi-colored suits and patterned button-ups sitting at a table. They sip beers and shake hands with various party guests. An older woman in a silver sequined flapper dress elegantly strolls the ballroom with a plastic cup of wine in hand. A group of ex-Boston University hockey players giggle on a couch by a large window. They wear high heels and dance in black dresses. A man with a beard down to his sternum munches on hors d'oeuvres on the outskirts of the dance floor. He chats with another bearded man wearing a white cowboy hat with a silver longhorn pinned to the front. Each of these groups strikes up a conversation with one another at some point in the night. 

It is no surprise that Stanton stated to The Justice that, “they use social media to make [the ball] as broadly appealing as possible so that new residents want to come.” They look to attract folks “of all walks of life.” The goal is to get new residents to attend and meet like-minded people. Stanton stated his love for Waltham and how the gala is a way to share that with breezers and longtime residents alike. Stanton called the event a “civic ball, with no politics and no ulterior motive.” Fun is the priority. 

With the 10th anniversary approaching, Stanton and the rest of the ball enthusiasts are already looking forward to next year. “It’s going to be big and special,” says Stanton. “We are always looking to improve and are open to the public for suggestions.” He emphasized, “Come prepared to dance.” 

Stanton himself took to the floor for one song and one song only, “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan.