GARY | If Michael Jackson were alive, he would have celebrated his 51st birthday Saturday far from the humble Gary house in which he grew up.

But the international pop star's death revived the childhood home he'd long left behind.

Hundreds of fans gathered Saturday at 2300 Jackson St. to celebrate Jackson's birthday and continue mourning his June 25 death.

"I almost feel like I am connected to him here," Joliet resident Jason Gallagher said. "I feel his presence. I almost feel like he was part of the family."

The 28-year-old knelt Saturday in front of the old Jackson family home, offering a bouquet of red roses in tribute to a man he adored but never met.

Fifteen-year-old Nicole Henison brought a white teddy bear holding a red heart as Jackson's birthday present.

"He's a legend that lives on in our hearts," the Chicago teen said. "I'm blown away to be here."

LaPorte resident Cindy Lynch remembers roller skating to Jackson's music when she was younger. The 41-year-old and her family, including a young son, are all Jackson fans. They stood in front of the stage Saturday, tapping their feet to his music.

Koebe Clopton, 8, sported a white glove as he bounced into a series of intricate dance moves before dropping into the splits.

Other fans of all ages took turns singing Jackson's tunes for the audience or clapping along with the band.

Louis Brown Jr. could laugh Saturday, pumping his arms as Jackson's music poured from loudspeakers in front of the house.

But the 52-year-old Hammond resident's exuberance dimmed when he thought about the King of Pop's effect on his life.

Brown could only choke back tears, shaking his head.

"I can't say right now," he said softly.

Jackson's music and legacy inspired generations of fans around the world. Since his passing, thousands have visited the Gary home where he grew up.

Helene Girard and Michel Clement came from Montreal for the birthday celebration. They said tributes to Jackson also will be held in Montreal and Quebec.

"He gave a lot of things," Clement said, pointing to the sky. "I hope he's good now."

David Fossett, whos Fossett Entertainment Group put on the event, said the outpouring of support from the thousands of people who attended Saturday's event meant a lot to him and the Jackson family. Fossett said he anticipated the event would be held annually.

As Jackson's "Heal the World" played over the speakers after 7 p.m., attendees held candles in the air or rocked back and forth.

"Gary needs to heal itself," Fossett told the crowd. "We got a lot of love in this city."

The jovial atmosphere continued into the night as attendees walked through the neighborhood and stopped at the many vendors selling Jackson memorabilia.

Ira Guyton, who worked one booth selling copies of Jackson's trademark white glove and Jackson CDs and DVDs, said he has been in the neighborhood selling items since Jackson died and was out Saturday at 6 a.m.

Although he wishes Jackson still were alive, Guyton said he's selling merchandise to provide something positive for the tourists and visitors to the city, not just to make money. Guyton said beyond making sales, he's an ambassador to visitors and conveys a message that counters the negative perception people may have of the city.

"Most visitors, we're the only people they meet," Guyton said. "We're the faces of Gary. By us looking good, then it means (positive things) for the city as a whole."