SectionsSimpsons in Springfield
Jerry Garretson
Issue date: 3/16/07 Section: News
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As any fan knows, the Simpsons' Springfield doesn't exist.
There was never a bear-wrestling settler named Jebediah Springfield.
No multibillionaire centenarian has ever tried to block the sun.
Moe's Tavern, the Kwik-E-Mart and Krusty Burger are all completely fictitious.
The entire town is just a comedic compromise, the result of two decades of spontaneous creativity from Matt Groening and his legendary staff of writers.
The idea with Springfield, says Groening, was to create an "Anytown, USA" that seems recognizable to people all across the country.
Even the name, Springfield, was chosen because of the sheer number of so-named towns in the country - 36 states have at least one, and some have several.
But Groening has hinted that the town at its inception may have been based on a real Springfield.
Since this revelation, fan speculation has run rampant.
Every fan seems to have his or her own theory.
A cursory Web search on the topic reveals a level of obsession most television shows only dream of inspiring.
20th Century Fox is using this fervor to its advantage.
To stoke the flames a bit for the upcoming Simpsons movie (due this summer), they've asked 16 real Springfields to make short films explaining just how their towns compare to Groening's.
Springfield, Mo., was among those chosen.
Local government is working closely with KSFX, the local Fox affiliate, and with 20th Century Fox on the contest, though details are still sketchy. The story was leaked, from Springfield, Ore., before any real competitive guidelines could be set.
The competition is taking shape, though. As it stands, Fox will probably send each chosen Springfield a camera and a "Simpsons kit," and ask them to make a three-to-five minute film detailing how their town most closely resembles the cartoon one. What will be in the kit is unknown at this time, but probably just Simpsons-related props and memorabilia. Local officials may have more information by the end of the week.
There was never a bear-wrestling settler named Jebediah Springfield.
No multibillionaire centenarian has ever tried to block the sun.
Moe's Tavern, the Kwik-E-Mart and Krusty Burger are all completely fictitious.
The entire town is just a comedic compromise, the result of two decades of spontaneous creativity from Matt Groening and his legendary staff of writers.
The idea with Springfield, says Groening, was to create an "Anytown, USA" that seems recognizable to people all across the country.
Even the name, Springfield, was chosen because of the sheer number of so-named towns in the country - 36 states have at least one, and some have several.
But Groening has hinted that the town at its inception may have been based on a real Springfield.
Since this revelation, fan speculation has run rampant.
Every fan seems to have his or her own theory.
A cursory Web search on the topic reveals a level of obsession most television shows only dream of inspiring.
20th Century Fox is using this fervor to its advantage.
To stoke the flames a bit for the upcoming Simpsons movie (due this summer), they've asked 16 real Springfields to make short films explaining just how their towns compare to Groening's.
Springfield, Mo., was among those chosen.
Local government is working closely with KSFX, the local Fox affiliate, and with 20th Century Fox on the contest, though details are still sketchy. The story was leaked, from Springfield, Ore., before any real competitive guidelines could be set.
The competition is taking shape, though. As it stands, Fox will probably send each chosen Springfield a camera and a "Simpsons kit," and ask them to make a three-to-five minute film detailing how their town most closely resembles the cartoon one. What will be in the kit is unknown at this time, but probably just Simpsons-related props and memorabilia. Local officials may have more information by the end of the week.
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