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Thirty
years ago the Canterbury Theater, located at Franklin and Ninth,
served as the backdrop for the first Oktoberfest held in Michigan
City. The event was sponsored by the Michigan City Jaycees who diligently
worked to develop a successful festival. When the gala outgrew its
original home in its third year, it was moved to the lakefront at
Washington Park where it existed for twenty-four years.
The
Oktoberfest moved on in 2003, to the LaPorte County Fair Grounds
in LaPorte, Indiana. For the past eleven years, the festival has
been brought to you by TOWER, a local nonprofit organization developed
by former Jaycees and other interested volunteers from LaPorte County.
The success of the Oktoberfest is attributed to the involvement
of LaPorte County volunteers and groups. As the festival grew, the
responsibilities increased. Staffing the beverage wagons, ticket
sales, entrance gates, on-site auditing, daily cleanup, and manning
the brat stand is now commissioned to local nonprofit organizations.
Oktoberfest
began with a handful of art & craft dealers, food vendors, and
entertainment groups. Today, the festival has a selection of numerous
arts & crafts, a variety of scrumptious foods, carnival and
rides, and five stages of continuous entertainment during the four-day
event.
The
festival has a Country and Rock Stage while jazz is presented on
the Cabaret Stage. A popular place for locals to gather is The Polka
Stage. The Tower Stage provides opportunity for a broad variety
of ethnic productions as well as show groups. The festival offers
a variety of entertainment for the very young on the Oktoberfest
Stage.
Along
with enjoying the arts and crafts, continuous entertainment, and
fine food, families may take advantage of the added attractions
located throughout LaPorte County. A variety of Antique Shops and
Museums will satisfy the curious. Lake Michigan along with several
inland lakes will fulfill the adventurous.
Along
with the Oktoberfest, Tower presents the Annual Tower Run. Proceeds
from both events provide for The Student Educational Support Grants
and a Student Scholarship. |
