The feuding families of Peaceful Valley, Missouri, are the Hatfuls and the Floys, a spoof on the famous nineteenth-century feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families of West Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. ("Devil Dan" Hatful is a spoof on "Devil Anse" Hatfield.)
The name of the Kirward Derby (the legendary hat that makes its wearer the smartest person in the world) is a spoof on the name of TV host Durward Kirby, who reportedly was none too pleased by the honor, and considered suing the show.