TOWER is a, Not-for-Profit Community Organization developed by former Michigan City Jaycees and other interested community volunteers. The group generated the idea of forming Tower when it became apparent that the Michigan City Jaycees could no longer survive and be the sponsoring vehicle for the Oktoberfest held every Labor Day weekend. The name Tower was given to the association in reference to the OBSERVATION TOWER located next to the zoo in Washington Park, a landmark in Michigan City.

The Jaycees organized the Oktoberfest for fifteen years. In 1989 with returning and new volunteers, Tower became the new organizing body of the festival. Tower continued to organize the Oktoberfest for a successful thirteen years at Washington Park, in Michigan City. In 2002, the Oktoberfest was cancelled, but brought back in 2003 to a new home at the county fairgrounds in LaPorte County. In 2004, after two years at the fairgrounds, Tower organized the final Oktoberfest in LaPorte County.

To keep the Oktoberfest fresh throughout the years, the Tower Run was added in 1992. It was coined a challenging 5K run that showcased Michigan City's beautiful lakeshore and beach communities. In 2002 the Tower Run became a stand alone event with the first cancellation of the Oktoberfest. The race has evolved over the years to include a 5K walk, in 2002 a 10K was added for one year, and in 2003 it became an 8K run with a 5K fitness walk. The Tower Run attracts runners from across the country and helps to raise funds for the Tower of Excellance Student Educational Support Grants.

The TOWER Organization was developed not only to be the sponsoring agent for the Oktoberfest, but to offer assistance to other organizations, and to support community minded endeavors with a focus on youth. The first major investment, was the The Tower of Excellence Student Educational Support Grants. These grants were developed for Michigan City area teachers to aid them in educational projects for their students. In 2002 and 2003 Tower also awarded a $1000 Student Scholarship Educational Grant to a LaPorte County area student.

Tower functions strictly as local not-for-profit and volunteer organization with no paid positions. Monies received from the sponsored events and activities are donated by Tower to community agencies and organizations, in addition to supporting The Tower of Excellence Student Educational Support Grants.