WGN News Staff
6:39 a.m. CDT, August 27, 2011

GARY, Ind.— Gary, Indiana is throwing a a four-day birthday party for its most famous son, Michael Jackson.

Jackson, who died on June 25, 2009, would have turned 53 on Monday. People from all over the country and even as far away as Vietnam and Spain came to celebrate the King of Pop. Several members of Jackson's family, including his father Joe, also came in for the event. Joe Jackson remembered his son, saying Michael was the kind of person who wanted to help everyone.

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A city spokesperson says Gary wants to preserve the legacy of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family . They lived in the community until 1969, moving to California when the Jackson 5 exploded in popularity.

The party began Friday in front of the Jackson boyhood home at 2300 Jackson St., and continues through Monday, with a four-foot birthday cake in front of the house.

There is music, a circus and food vendors at the Jackson house throughout the weekend and concerts at Leonard Douglas Stadium at Roosevelt High School.

Events at the Jackson home are free, food and souvenirs will be available for purchase. Concert and circus tickets are $23 for adults; $12 for children.

Some of the Jackson family members are expected to attend.
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