The best thing about the Jim Smith Society is Jim Smith, according to Jim Smith.

"I've never met a Jim Smith I didn't like," said Smith, 71, of Vancouver. "I'm still looking."

Here's his chance. A baseball roster of Jim Smiths -- 25, plus relatives -- converged on Pittsburgh on Thursday for the Jim Smith Society Fun Fest, which runs through Sunday.

The annual event gives Jim Smiths across North America the chance to meet other Jim Smiths, to visit a new city and to jump up every time someone enters a room and yells, "Important phone call for Jim Smith!"

The Jim Smith Society was formed in 1969 by Jim Smith of Camp Hill in Cumberland County, to celebrate one of the most common names in America, several Jim Smiths said.

When new members joined, the founding Jim Smith issued each a number, starting at 100. Smith was afraid that few other Jim Smiths would join, so he wanted to make the numbers more "impressive" by starting at 100, said Jim Smith No. 172.

Today there are 1,902 members.

"It's a lot of fun," said Jim Smith, 74, of East Berlin in Adams County. "We (Jim Smiths) really enjoy it."

Or as the Jim Smith Society Web site explains: "Our society will give you a unique opportunity to meet people with similar interests."

To join the Jim Smith Society potential members must, naturally, be named Jim Smith -- but even this rule is flexible. For instance, two women -- both named Jimmy Anne Smith -- have joined. Jamie is an acceptable name.

An Irishman named Jim Smythe recently asked if he could join.

East Berlin Jim didn't know. He consulted his fellow board members, Jim Smith, Jim Smith, Jim Smith and Jim Smith.

"I took it to the board, and we reviewed it," he said. "We decided it was fine, so we sent him an application. We haven't heard back from him yet."

Candidates must fill out a two-page application, which includes a space for them to print their name.

Once in, Jim Smiths get two wooden nickels, a certificate and card proving their membership in the society, and a newsletter subscription.

Plus, there are the Fun Fests, previously held in San Diego, San Francisco, Dallas, New York and Branson, Mo. The Jim Smiths picked Pittsburgh this year because East Berlin Jim Smith's 101-year-old mother lives in Turtle Creek.

On the schedule are sightseeing trips and visits to Pittsburgh's landmarks and museums.

To kick things off today, the Jim Smiths will compete in a golf tournament at Moon Run Golf Course.

"We already have the name on the trophy printed up," said East Berlin Jim Smith. "We know who's going to win."

The society was formed in 1969 by a local Jim Smith to celebrate one of the most common names in the U.S. Today, the group boasts about 1,900 members.

About two dozen Jim Smiths plan to go sightseeing and visit Pittsburgh museums.

They're also holding a golf tournament on Friday to kick off the festivities.

To join the Jim Smith Society potential members must, naturally, be named Jim Smith, but even this rule is flexible. Two women, both named Jimmy Anne Smith, have joined. Jamie also is an acceptable name.