Annual Merchants Fall Festival Gets New Home

The fourth annual Merchants Fall Festival has a new location this year: the grounds of North Andover Common - Old Center, near the intersection of Osgood Street and Massachusetts Avenue.

The event will feature food, entertainment and games, and takes place rain or shine on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival’s sponsor, North Andover Merchants Association (NAMA), expects a larger community turnout this year, NAMA President Sylvie Foulds said.

Entertainment will feature a DJ as well as dance and karate school performances. NAMA is considering additional festival entertainment options, Foulds said.

Attractions for children will include hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow building, face painting, and a “kids zone” with a bouncy house.

All funds raised from the festival will benefit the North Andover Middle School STEM program, which trains students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The STEM program needs 30 computers, which would cost about $16,000, Foulds said. Zinga Frozen Yogurt, 560 Turnpike St., already donated two.

“We are looking to raise enough funds to provide the rest,” Foulds said.

The festival also provides networking opportunities for small businesses in North Andover and surrounding towns, according to NAMA.

Vendor registration information is available here, and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Foulds expects more than 60 vendors to attend. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

For NAMA members, merchant and craft vendor registration is $50 and food vendor registration is $100. Non-member registration is $75 for merchant and craft vendors, and $200 for food vendors. All food vendors are required to have a food permit from the Town of North Andover.

For more information, email Foulds or NAMA vice president Dawn Pease.

Photo credit: North Andover Merchants Association Facebook page