'Simpsons' mural unveiled in Springfield, Oregon

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Hundreds of people turned out for the festivities as a mural honoring "The Simpsons" was unveiled in Springfield, Oregon.

On hand for Monday's big event was actress Yeardley Smith, the voice of Bart Simpson's little sister, Lisa, on the animated sitcom.

Smith was more than happy to land on both sides of the ongoing controversy: is Oregon's Springfield the REAL Springfield that provides the setting for "The Simpsons" family adventures?

The Register-Guard reports that at a news conference prior to the official ceremony, Smith told reporters, "Um, well, I don't want to burst your bubble, but ... it is true that the name Springfield was chosen because it's the most common name for a town in the United States."

Later, as Smith stood in front of the waiting crowd, she declared, "We have always said that Springfield is every town in America. But that is a dirty lie. Springfield is obviously in Oregon."

By then she was reading from a script but the crowd was happy.

Series creator Matt Groening grew up in Portland.