200 children attend party at Neverland

Michael Jackson hosted approximately 200 children representing several organizations Friday at his Neverland Ranch.

Jackson greeted approximately 200 kids and parents, strolling across a bridge to meet the group. He spent 10 minutes talking to them and then led them across the bridge toward the house.

The children shouted "Thank you, thank you!" and "Merry Christmas!"

Jackson, carrying his trademark umbrella and dressed in black pants and a black jacket with white embroidery, got into a vehicle and left.

The Jackson release says that visits to Neverland have occurred several times a month for many years. "Because this is the last scheduled visit before the holidays, Jackson surprised the children by wishing them a happy holidays and a safe new year."

Neverland, a sprawling estate in the foothills of Santa Barbara, Calif., has played a key role in the case against Jackson. Prosecutors allege it was there that, almost two years ago, Jackson plied a boy with alcohol, engaged in “lewd acts” with him, then conspired with his staff to cover up his misdeeds. Jackson said last year he no longer considers Neverland his home after at least two extensive police raids searching for evidence against him.

Another pretrial hearing in the case is set for Monday in Santa Maria, Calif.

On Friday, the California Appeals court denied Jackson’s appeal of Judge Rodney Melville’s ruling allowing the grand jury indictment to stand.