I Just Received the Key to The City of Payson And It Has Opened A Whole Lot of Doors Already!

 August 9, 2024

   Tomorrow is officially Bob Boze Bell Day in Payson, Arizona and I was presented a key to the city this morning by the mayor to officially mark the event.

That's the mayor, Chris Higgins, at far right, and he gave me the big, fat, golden key I am holding. On the left is Elizabeth Fowler who is spearheading the Rim Country Western Film Festival where I am the keynote speaker. And the pretty girl on my left is Gail Lovett, the owner of Rim Country BBQ where this photo was taken.

(photos by Rob Mathiasch)

   I didn't know this, but the tradition of giving a key started in medieval times, when it was common for European towns ringed by walls to give visiting dignitaries a key to the city gate as a gesture of trust and kindness. I intend to mark my time here with a few freebies and I intend to stock up on a few items that only Payson can provide.

   Being accompanied by the mayor around town I was privileged to imbibe a few treats that only the insider locals know.  I got a cup of free ice cream right here:

Free BBB Ice Cream On The House!

   Thanks to a heads up from Mad Coyote Joe I intend to crash the Crosswinds Cafe at the Payson Airport, and order the customized eggs Benedict dish which is not on the menu and only available to those in the know on the weekends.

   And, I had a chance to stop in and chat about my love for hats with Bob of Bob's Western Wear.

Bob & Bob In Bob's Western Wear

"Speak softly and carry a big key."

—BBB

Other Notables Like Me

Who Have Received A Big Key

• Saddam Hussein received the key to Detroit in 1980 after making a sizable donation to a church there.
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• The Kardashian-Jenner family received the key to Beverly Hills in 2010
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• Pilot Chesley Sullenberger received the keys to New York City and to his hometown of Danville, California, after safely landing a plane in the Hudson River after birds were sucked into the engine.
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• Regis Philbin received the key to NYC two years later when he retired from his TV gig.
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• Usher was given a key to New Orleans in recognition of his charitable work.
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• Members of the Jackson 5 were each awarded the key to their hometown of Gary, Indiana.
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• Axl Rose can open up imaginary doors in West Valley City, Utah.
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• Cher angered a bunch of Aussies earlier this year when she sold her key to Adelaide, Australia, for $96,000 on eBay.