Founder of Texas Renaissance Festival Found Dead at 87
George Coulam, the founder and longstanding owner of the Texas Renaissance Festival, was found dead in his home in Todd Mission, Texas on Wednesday morning. The 87-year-old’s death comes as a shock to the community, with an ongoing investigation into the cause of his passing.
The Todd Mission Police Department responded to a call at Coulam’s residence, located near the Renaissance Festival grounds, where he was pronounced dead upon their arrival. The Grimes County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers were also on site to assist in the investigation.
The Texas Renaissance Festival released a statement on social media expressing their deep sadness at the loss of George Coulam. They acknowledged his role in building a community that has become a beloved tradition for performers, staff, and guests over the past 50 years. The festival has requested privacy for Coulam’s family and the extended festival family as they mourn his loss.
Just weeks before his death, a Grimes County District court ruled that the Texas Renaissance Festival must be sold, ending a lengthy legal battle. Coulam was ordered to pay over $23 million in damages related to the sale of the festival and its assets, following allegations of misconduct during the transaction.
Despite the legal challenges, Coulam’s legacy as the founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival remains intact. He established the festival in 1974, growing it into the largest event of its kind in the United States. Coulam’s recent loss of office as mayor of Todd Mission marked the end of an era, with a new city council member taking over.
The HBO docuseries “Ren Faire” provided a glimpse into Coulam’s life and the inner workings of the Texas Renaissance Festival. The series documented his search for a successor to lead the festival, as well as his personal pursuits and interactions with staff. Despite his quirks and controversies, Coulam’s dedication to the festival was undeniable.
As the community mourns the loss of George Coulam, his impact on the Texas Renaissance Festival and the town of Todd Mission will be remembered for years to come.
