That hat is the emperor of hats.

When it cuts to the wide shot and he is revealed to be in some sort of future-west dioramascape, this becomes sort of magical.

Holy crap, Festus has got some pipes.

Shouldn't be surprised, though; he used to perform with big bands.

Festus has special alchemical significance, being the Quintessence that lies between the four elements, as he stands between Marshall Dillon (he of the gunsmoke = air + earth) and Miss Kitty (she of the alcohol = fire + water). His stage name is an abbreviation of Hephaestus, the smith of the gods; his real name (Ken Curtis) is a reminder that true knowledge requires few words, and such words as are needed can be drawled out however slowly one likes.