GARY, Ind. (AP) — Dozens of fans are lining up outside a ballpark in Michael Jackson’s hometown ahead of a memorial celebration planned at the Indiana city’s ballpark.

Jackson lived in the northwest Indiana city of Gary until he was 11 years old in 1969 when the Jackson 5 hit it big.

Gary’s mayor says Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, is set to attend the memorial Friday night along with the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

About 50 fans waited Friday at the gates of Gary’s baseball stadium before the memorial. Others were at Jackson’s modest boyhood home taking photographs and buying souvenirs.

Peter Mata of Streator, Ill., was first in line at the stadium. He says he expects a celebration of Jackson’s musical career Friday but knows it will also be sad.