‘Waltham’s best party’ slated for March 1

It all started with a dinner party conversation over a decade ago. Several Waltham residents were discussing how much they enjoyed the city as an interesting and diverse place to live. They wanted to find a way to celebrate and thank the city. A big party seemed like just the ticket.

But what to call it? The subject turned to “breezer,” local lingo for a person who isn’t a Waltham native, someone who just breezed in from elsewhere. Even people who have lived in the city for decades, bought a home, sent their children to Waltham schools and even served in city government are still breezers. 

“Breezer is used sort of as a pejorative,” said David Nauss, who was at that dinner. “We thought, wouldn’t it be fun to turn that on its head?” Thus was born the Breezers Ball. The founders bill it as “a heartfelt tribute to our city” and Waltham’s “premier community gala.” 

Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy always buys the first ticket, Nauss said. 

This is the ninth year of the Breezers Ball. It will take place on Saturday, March 1, 6:30 to 10 p.m., at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation. 

The museum tells the story of the great factories and inventors that made Waltham the birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution. The setting is apt, because the Breezers Ball reflects how “we feel we owe a debt to the people who built Waltham and want to celebrate the people who are here,” Nauss explained.

A chance for people to get together and make new friends

The volunteer-run event will feature “things that are cool about Waltham,” including music by DJ Shaw, a popular local musician. Sweet Basil on Moody Street will be shaking up a signature cocktail. Many local restaurants are donating dishes, showcasing “tastes of food they’re proud of,” Nauss said. “We want to support the community.” 

The Breezers Ball is intended as a celebration, rather than a fundraiser. The organizers contribute funds to cover costs and buy their own tickets. Local companies pitch in. This year’s sponsors include Watertown Savings Bank, The Nelson Cos., Stanton Insurance Co., The Village Bank, Long Life Auto Repair, Everett & Sons Insurance Agency, Joyce Funeral Home, Paris Eyecare, Karen Sebastian Landscape Architect, Marian E. Brown Attorney at Law, and Artisans Local LLC.

If the ball ends up with a surplus, the money is donated to the Waltham High School scholarship fund. The funds are divided among two scholarships: one for studying fine arts and one for industrial arts. Some years “we have given enough money for two $2,500 scholarships,” Nauss said. 

What does one wear to the Breezers Ball? Waltham being a place that doesn’t put on airs, there is no dress code as such. But the museum will be decorated like a nightclub, so piles of bling won’t feel out of place.

Tickets are $60 and available online. 

Here is the Breezers Ball promotional video from their website.