Many children and parents shed tears and laughter at the Welcome Home party for Elizabeth Smart at Salt Lake City's Liberty Park, Friday night, March 14.

Liberty Park had previously hosted the candlelight vigil, when Elizabeth was kidnapped nine months ago.

On Friday night people witnessed the once dismal atmosphere transform into a joyful celebration.

People came from all over the state and beyond, to show their support for the Smart family, reunited with the young teenage girl who was missing for nine months.

Elizabeth's parents, Edward and Lois Smart, addressed the crowd and thanked all those who had supported them throughout the time she was missing.

"Elizabeth is doing well," said Elizabeth's mother, Lois Smart. "She's beautiful and she's happy to be home."

Although Elizabeth was not there, a large poster at the front of the podium displayed a handwritten message from her that read: "I'm the luckiest girl in the world! Thank you for your love and prayers. It's a wish come true!! I'm HOME! I love you all, Elizabeth Smart."

People gathered around the poster to read Elizabeth's words and to add a few supporting words of their own, on another poster for Elizabeth.

"Ever since she was kidnapped, I immediately became involved in the case," said Layton resident Ben Lindford. "The day I found out she was found, I was driving. I pulled over and I started crying."

City officials planned for 5,000 people and had 5,000 slices of pizza, 5,400 drinks and 3,000 hotdogs.

Local businesses donated all of the food, stages, sound equipment, balloons and tents.

Some people wore buttons that originally announced her disappearance, but now had a sticker on top that read "found".

John Walsh, host of the TV program "America's Most Wanted", also spoke at the event.

Walsh has been involved in helping people find their kidnapped children since his own son, Adam, was kidnapped and murdered in 1981.

He called Mary Katherine, the only witness to the kidnapping, a "hero" for remembering what had happened and notifying her parents.

Salt Lake City's Mayor, Rocky Anderson also stood at the podium, thanking the Salt Lake City Police Department and all others who had assisted in finding Elizabeth.

Thurl Bailey, an American Indian dance group and the Bryant Intermediate Show Choir performed for the crowd.

The celebration finished off with fireworks and music.

Nationally, Elizabeth Smart had become well known from billboards and posters. People from Idaho, Wyoming and other places also came to show their support.

"I was back East when I heard that she was kidnapped," said Heber City resident Matt Patterson. "There were posters everywhere over there. I've been really touched; there have been a lot of prayers involved."

Copyright Brigham Young University 17 Mar 2003