Michael at Gary City Hall

Michael arrived at Gary City Hall at about 12:27 p.m. in a black limousine with a large security detail. An excited, high-energy crowd was there. Reporters were on the building steps, but it was very difficult to see Michael's face among the crowd. Michael's fans were waiting for him along the street behind railings. Michael got out of the car and, under his ever-present umbrella, walked up the steps and waved to his fans from the top of the steps.



He then entered the building to receive the key to the city and took part in a brief press interview. In his remarks, he said that this was his first trip to Gary since he was nine years old, and that he was very happy to be at home. Mr. Scott L. King, the mayor of Gary, presented Michael with the key to the city and a street sign for Jackson.



After this press conference, Michael came back outside the building, shook hands with his fans, and signed autographs. He also received gifts from the crowd and took a few interesting signs that his fans were holding with him. Before going up into his car, he went to regain his balance and then responded to the people's expressions of feeling. This was a sign of his thanks to the people.



He then made a short stop at 2300 Jackson Street, where his childhood home was. There, in addition to the excited neighbors of the area, fans had come to see Michael.