For the past three years the North Andover Merchants Association (NAMA) has thrown its Annual Fall Festival at the Knights of Columbus property on Sutton Street. Attracting dozens of vendors and thousands of residents, it is an event that has become a cherished North Andover tradition.
"This event truly embodies what our organization stands for," said Sylvie Foulds, who is beginning her third year as President of NAMA. "We wanted to organize an event that would help generate business for our members, while also creating an enjoyable day for our community."
The 2013 Fall Festival featured 45 vendors and involved over 60 volunteers.
Each year NAMA donates any proceeds from the Fall Festival to the Knights of Columbus's handicapped children's charity. On Thursday evening the North Andover Merchants Association's Festival Committee paid a visit to a meeting of members of the Knights Of Columbus to present their donation - an amount totaling $4,083.91.
"They've been so kind to let us use their property each year, and we're more than happy to support their noble charity," said Foulds, who was joined by committee members Phil DeCologero, Chris Palermo, Dawn Pease and Pat Roche.
The Fall Festival Committee also included Louis McGinness of Salem Five Bank, Kim Mollica of Just Dance Wear & Boutique, and Linda Pedi of Ed Pedi Photography.
"It was a very nice event, and I know we're already looking forward to next fall," said Foulds, who noted with sadness that the sale of the Sutton Street property means the 2014 Fall Festival must be held at a different location.
"It may be a new location, but we're going to keep it running with the same, strong community spirit."
