The Lake Norman Wine and Food Festival has landed a collaborator for its 2nd annual festival on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Kenton Place in Cornelius. The festival is partnering with Lake Norman Rotary Club for this year’s event, which will be cut back to one day.

“By teaming-up with an organization that has such a large and active membership, I have no doubt that this year we’ll be able to do even more for our local charities,” festival chair V. Tom Gardner said in a press release.

The 2011 Festival will include a “Wine Reservoir” for wine tastings and “Restaurant Galley” where local restaurants serve individual portions.

This year’s festival has been cut back to one day, from two, after feedback from companies and merchants. They’ll be adding live music and a small area for local micro brews.

The first festival was held in June 2010. Four main sponsors, six restaurants, a dozen merchants, and 13 wineries participated, attracting about 1,100 people and collecting more than 750 pounds of food for local charities.

“Last year’s event was good, but this year’s will be even better,” North Mecklenburg Rotary Club’s Ken McGrath said in the press release. “We each bring our own unique strengths to this partnership that will strengthen the entire event; with our manpower and business connections and the Festival’s experience, this year’s event will be an outstanding success.”

The Lake Norman Wine and Food Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded to benefit charities in the Lake Norman area. More information is at www.lakenormanwineandfoodfestival.org.