via press release:

SPRINGFIELD OR BUST! A NEW NEIGHBOR IS COMING TO TOWN

WITH “THE SIMPSONS” CHARACTER CONTEST

The “Best. 20 Years. Ever” Celebration Continues with Opportunity

To Create a New Character for an Upcoming Episode

Contest Information Available at thesimpsons.com/character

For 20 years, the artists and writers of THE SIMPSONS have lovingly labored to create a memorable mix of characters that have been embraced by fans around the world. As part of the “Best. 20 Years. Ever.” celebration, FOX and THE SIMPSONS are offering fans, for the first time ever, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unleash their yellow and make their mark on Springfield history through THE SIMPSONS Character Contest.

Beginning today, fans can enter THE SIMPSONS Character Contest to create the “Best. Character. Ever.” Fans 18 years of age and older will have an opportunity to produce the newest Springfield resident and create the character’s traits, including name/nickname, age, appearance, occupation and catchphrases, at thesimpsons.com. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM ET on October 24, 2009.

The winning entry, selected by THE SIMPSONS producers, will be animated into an episode of THE SIMPSONS in January 2010 to be seen by millions of people around the world. The grand-prize winner will also receive a trip to Los Angeles to meet with SIMPSONS producers and an animator and work with the team to bring the character to life on the small screen.

For complete official rules, contest guidelines and more information, visit thesimpsons.com.

“Best. 20 Years. Ever.,” a year-long global celebration honoring all things THE SIMPSONS, launched in January 2009 and will culminate in January 2010, the 20^th anniversary of the series’ debut.

Now the longest-running comedy in television history, THE SIMPSONS immediately struck a chord with viewers across the country as it poked fun of itself and everything in its wake. With its subversive humor and delightful wit, the series has made an indelible imprint on American pop culture, and the family members have become television icons.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20^th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media Company, is the animation house.