Mood:
happyLOS OLIVOS, Calif. (AP) ? Christmas came early for some 200 children who got to play at Michael Jackson's amusement park and meet Santa Claus.
Michael Jackson invites charitable and civic groups to bring children to Neverland.
By Aaron Lambert, AP/Santa Maria Times
"I hope you have a wonderful day. Merry Christmas. I love you," the pop singer called out to the children Friday from the driveway of his estate.
Jackson, who faces trial next year on child molestation charges, appeared happy during the few minutes he spoke to the arriving throng.
One of the youngsters shouted, "We love you!"
"I love you more," Jackson replied before putting an umbrella over his head and walking back toward his house.
Jackson spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain said the entertainer chose to make an unusual personal appearance as a surprise for the last group of children touring Neverland before the Christmas holidays.
Bain said there was no relationship between the event and Jackson's upcoming trial.
Santa Barbara County authorities have charged Jackson, 46, with molesting a boy, conspiracy and administering an intoxicating agent, alcohol, to his alleged victim.
Investigators have carried out raids on Neverland, and in a recent court filing that seeks to introduce evidence of other purported crimes that went uncharged, prosecutors described the estate as "a veritable paradise" for children.
Friday's visitors, from six organizations and ranging in age from about 3 or 4 years to their teens, were bused to Neverland and then rode a train up from the parking lot. They included children with special needs from Santa Barbara and some affiliated with the First AME Church in Los Angeles, according to a list of groups issued to reporters. Jackson defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. attends the First AME church.
At First AME, the Rev. Brenda Lamothe, executive assistant to Pastor John Hunter, said the church did not authorize a group to go to Neverland.
Bain said charitable and civic groups bring children to Neverland at least three times a month to play on the amusement park rides, see its zoo and watch movies. On Friday, Jackson was showing "The Polar Express" in his movie theater.
In his brief appearance, Jackson smiled, waved and at one point looked as if he would come back and play with the children, but instead got into a vehicle that took him off the property.
Neverland, in the scenic Santa Barbara County countryside, is a fairy-tale theme park with streams, waterfalls and a lake. The grounds are decorated with bronze statues of children at play. Two elephants, a camel and a baby llama were on hand as the children entered. Flamingos stood nearby and the sun shone brightly from a blue sky.
The estate provided lunch, candy canes, popcorn and a Santa Claus. The children could also play in a video arcade with unlimited games.
One of the parents who escorted children on the visit to Neverland said he had no qualms.
"They asked us to come and we came and had a great time," said Imari Conway, a Los Angeles man who brought his three children. "You see a whole other side of Michael here and it's hard to believe there are such charges. So much good is being done and it shouldn't go untold."
Bain said many organizations write Jackson to ask to bring children to Neverland and an events staff decides who will be invited.
"Generally Mr. Jackson is not here all the time," she said. "There are events here daily. He wanted to surprise the kids. He has given his whole life to children and charities."
Bain said Jackson's spirits were up.
"Considering everything going on, he seemed to be well," she said.
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