The North Andover Merchants Association has had a successful year -- including participating in the Police Department's huge National Night Out event and hosting their first Fall Festival. Next month, the local business power machine will host an awards gala.

On Saturday, March 24, NAMA will host "A Knight of Honor" -- a gala, awards dinner and silent auction all rolled into one -- from 6 to 10 p.m. at the

NAMA will award two $1,000 college scholarships to a high school senior girl and a boy in town planning to major in business. They will also acknowledge a student as a young entrepreneur.

And in the spirit of promoting local business, there will be recognition of NAMA businesses that are celebrating milestones.

NAMA is looking for items for the silent auction. They currently have:

• Limo and four tickets to Red Sox
• Pizza party for 25
• Gift certificates

Some ideas for items NAMA is looking for include:

• Gift baskets
• Time shares
• Wine
• TVs

NAMA is also planning to recognize a NAMA member who gives back to the community, and they will be taking nominations at the next NAMA meeting, scheduled for March 7.