Jackson fans watch memorial outside Neverland

By JACOB ADELMAN, Associated Press Writer Jacob Adelman, Associated Press Writer – Tue Jul 7, 6:43 pm ET
LOS OLIVOS, Calif. – The skies were brilliant blue, the breezes gentle and the television reception excellent, which was good news for dozens of fans outside Neverland Ranch who huddled around a wide-screen TV on Tuesday to watch Michael Jackson's memorial service.

The Neverland fans clapped and cried along with mourners far away at the memorial in downtown Los Angeles.

Stephanie Cook and her boyfriend flew in from Georgia, hoping to be part of a memorial if it had been held at Jackson's ranch in Santa Barbara County's wine country.

The couple did some sightseeing in Los Angeles on Monday, visiting several Jackson landmarks, then headed the 130 miles northwest back to Neverland to be with fellow fans during the public memorial.

Cook said she was happy and thankful she didn't have to watch the service on her cell phone.
"It was emotional, very emotional, especially when Paris got up to speak, that was toughest for me," Cook said, referring to brief remarks by Jackson's 11-year-old daughter.

Throughout the service, Cook used her sequin-gloved hand to snap photos of the 60-inch television screen.

After the service ended, the TV truck lowered its satellite antenna and sheriff's deputies asked all the T-shirt vendors to pack up their tents and move on.

In the days since Jackson's June 25 death, thousands have come by the ranch, but it was down to dozens Tuesday afternoon, the stage left to a handful of die-hard fans reluctant to leave the place Jackson called home during his heyday.

They stood by what was left — piles of balloons, flowers, candles, stuffed animals, notes, photos and one primitive painting of Jackson wearing nothing but a loincloth and angel wings.

The huge gates to Neverland had mammoth, matching red rose wreaths. One side had a banner saying "Neverland," the other read, "Once upon a time."

And then there was the music drifting from the other side of the gates. Michael Jackson music.