Oh, Springfield, where art thou?

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SPRINGFIELD, Ore., March 8 (UPI) -- The Simpsons animated movie will premiere this summer in one of the U.S. Springfields scattered nationwide and boosters in Oregon hope their Springfield wins.

20th Century Fox publicist Gwyne Ortiz said the company asked the 16 Springfields to compete to host the first screening of "The Simpsons Movie" July 27, the (Eugene, Ore.) Register-Guard reported Thursday.

Officials from each Springfield submit films touting the best of their community and linking it to the Simpsons TV show. The winning city and its mayor will be included in the film's closing credits.

Fox executives select the winner.

"If we're selected, that's nationwide and even worldwide exposure for us," said Springfield, Ore, Mayor Sid Leiken. "There's plenty of serious issues to talk about, but this is something that we might as well try to have a little fun with."

Matt Groening, a Portland, Ore., native, created the show, in its 18th season.

Groening, who has said he chose the name Springfield as the Simpsons' hometown because it is so common, told Crave Online that the movie will deal with the location question.

"We actually have a really good joke about that," he said. "Remember, I said joke."