PHOTOS: NAMA's Big Night

North Andover business owners spent Saturday evening toasting fellow merchants while honoring students' success.

The North Andover Merchant Association's second annual "Knight of Honor: Rising Star" gala at North Andover Country Club.

Dan Roche returned this year as host/emcee. Lowell Five Bank sponsored complementary psychic readings by Psychic Readers of North Andover, and Salem Five sponsored charicatures drawn by Michael Horvath. More than 50 businesses donated to the silent and live auctions. Frederick's Pastries donated and served dessert, and McLay's Florist donated the centerpieces.

NAMA awarded scholarships to: Catherine Wolstromer and Benjamin Paster, both 2013 graduating seniors from North Andover High School. And the Entrepreneur Award was given to Kyle Quinn for his start-up company, Quinn Landscaping.

Ed Pedi Photography was named Merchant of the Year. Owned by Ed and Linda Pedi, Ed Pedi Photography has been in business for 20 years. Ed's photography has gained national esteem over the years. Last year, Ed was recognized by Professional Photographers of America at their annual convention, receiving the Silver Medalist photographer award.

"We were honored beyond words to be chosen by our peers as this year’s recipient of Merchant-of-the-Year," Linda Pedi said. "Last year’s recipient, Terry Holland is certainly a tough act to follow and we’re proud to share Merchant of the Year status with Terry. Quite honestly, there are so many other members on the executive board who like Ed, I and Terry are as equally deserving of this award. Ed receives many awards each year for his photographic images and while that never gets old, it’s the awards like this which recognize us for community service and presented by our peers that truly mean the most. We’re honored, grateful and we thank you."

NAMA also honored the following businesses for milestones:

• 5 years
• 5 years
• 5 years
• 25 years
• 35 years
• 60 years
• 100 years

Check out these photos, and merchants, feel free to add your own by clicking the "upload" button.