Thousands celebrate Jackson's birthday in NY

Saturday 29 August, 10:02 PM NEW YORK (AP) - Thousands of fans of Michael Jackson dancing in the rain in a park in Brooklyn, on Saturday during a party hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee to celebrate what would have been the 51st birthday of the late King of Pop A crowd of revelers arrived at Prospect Park on Saturday afternoon. Many wore hats and white gloves, among other costumes typical of Jackson. A jockey successfully placed one after another of Jackson, while people danced and sang. Dozens of people went from one place to another in the crowd wearing T-shirts, pins, posters and other items featuring music star. "I was just like everyone else, loved his talent," said Lee, who directed two videos Music for Jackson in 1996. The filmmaker also recalled when Jackson visited him at his home in Brooklyn to talk about their collaboration to make music videos. The day was designated as "Memorial Day Michael Jackson, the King of Pop" by the president of the neighborhood Brooklyn, Marty Markowitz. "Everybody knows that Michael Jackson had fans around the world, but we know that the best were those in Brooklyn," Markowitz said before a euphoric crowd that was growing as the storm subsided morning, becoming drizzle in the afternoon. Edna Robles of Brooklyn, stood all afternoon. With a red baseball cap and a pair of sandals, closed his eyes and moved his lips as he danced on the grass and mud, the rhythm of "Thriller." "Although falling ray, I would not mind," he said. "I watched him for years and I think is best. I love him." Celebration, originally planned as a meeting covering several streets to 2,000 people in Fort Greene Paerque the same neighborhood, moved to another venue to house a multitude more numerous. Peter Brodie and his wife Corrine Rodriguez brought their daughters, Astrid 3 months and Makeda of 2 and a half to the party. Rodriguez danced "Beat It" with Makeda, while Astrid Brodie did in her arms. "I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. I was 9 years old and he opened a new world and music and dance for me," Brodie said, who considered it a shame that an enthusiastic celebration of Jackson's music is organized only posthumously. Aubrey Harris, 45, sold several portraits of Jackson, which she did at home. "I want to spread the memory of Michael Jackson" said Harris, who cut Jackson's image of several posters and created 19 works of collage, paint and varnish. "I will remain in the minds of all people." By mid-afternoon, Harris had already sold 10 pictures, $ 15 each. Average (Not Rated)