![]() According to the estimate, it would have taken about 200,000 people to fill the stretch. He estimated only 17,000 to 20,000 people linked hands in the approximately 160 miles between Flagstaff and New Mexico. Wayne McBride of the Flagstaff office of the state Department of Public Safety said there were gaps of up to 40 miles on I- 40. State spokeswoman Abby Shapiro said at least 175,000 people participated - most in the Phoenix area. Vern Peyser, city editor at the Desert Sun in Palm Springs, said there were major gaps in the exclusive resort community. Gaps large and small were reported throughout the route, including the urban and beach areas that organizers felt certain would be filled. In Desert Center, population 120, a half-mile human chain weaved back and forth swaying and singing to Hands Across America theme music on the radio. ![]() One desolate area 30 miles west of Desert Center appeared to have no link of any kind. ![]() When it was over, 5,000 red white and blue balloons were released and white doves trailing blue and red streamers soared into the sky after them.Ī 150-mile stretch in the southeastern desert of California between Palm Springs and Blythe had gaps as long as five miles which were linked with red and white rope. ″I think its just incredible and I hope this feeling carries on,″ he said.Ĭelebrities near the end of the line, which organizers said included 350,000 Californians in all, included Raquel Welch, Cecily Tyson, Ben Vereen and Dudley Moore.Īt Disneyland, 1,320 employees formed lines extending inward from both sides of the park, meeting in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle where Mickey Mouse joined both ends. The West Coast terminus in Long Beach, Calif., was anchored by an unemployed man, Bill Jones, 34, his wife and five children who live at a homeless shelter. Undated (AP) _ Here is a state-by-state look at the Hands Across America demonstration Sunday: CALIFORNIA
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