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They can cross Springfield, Minn., off the list.
Sixteen U.S. cities named Springfield have agreed to participate in a nationwide contest sponsored by “The Simpsons Movie” to be named as the yellow-skinned cartoon family’s hometown, with the winner landing a free preview screening of the movie that comes out in July.
The cities of Springfield in Missouri, Illinois and Oregon are among those that said yes, and they’re now busy producing videos that feature a replica of the family’s animated couch while showcasing the city’s charms and resemblance to the TV Springfield.
But when the contest organizers contacted this southwestern Minnesota town of 2,200 and asked it to participate, no one was very excited.
“We couldn’t find any interest in town that would spearhead the project,” said City Manager Mac Tilberg, who chatted with the City Council and asked around town before declining Hollywood’s invitation.
D’oh!
Tilberg said it might not be such an honor to be identified as the fictional Springfield.
“Everything the fictitious Springfield is, we’re not. We’re a clean, close-knit community. There’s no pollution, no waste dumps, nobody misbehaving all the time. And we don’t want to be made a parody of,” Tilberg said.
Still, some Springfieldites were a little disappointed.
“For a town of this size, the thought of Hollywood coming to town would be exciting,” said Jim Miesen, who owns the local paint store and the National Historic Register building that houses the Garage restaurant.
But other residents said maybe it’s not so bad to not be associated with a fictional town whose Latin motto translates as “Extreme Corruption.”
“I can see why the city said, ’No,’ “ said Jan Erickson, adding that an “Andy Griffith” movie would be more her speed. “I don’t think it’s a wholesome show. I hate the show, and if I heard Springfield would support something like that, I would think it’s a sign of what’s wrong with America.”
