TODD MISSION, Texas — George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival and a defining figure in its 50-year history, was found dead at his home Monday morning, according to Grimes County Sheriff Donald Sowell.

Authorities were notified of Coulam’s death around 9 a.m. The cause of death has not yet been released, though officials stated there is no indication of any threat to the public.

Coulam, affectionately known as “King George” to generations of festivalgoers, launched the Texas Renaissance Festival in 1974. Under his leadership, the event grew into one of the largest and most renowned Renaissance-themed festivals in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to Todd Mission, Texas.

In a statement, festival organizers paid tribute to Coulam, saying he “built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff, and guests.”

Coulam also served as mayor of Todd Mission from the town’s incorporation in 1982 until May 8 of this year, stepping down just weeks before his death.

Legal Dispute Over Festival Ownership

Coulam’s death comes amid a high-profile legal dispute concerning the future of the Texas Renaissance Festival. In recent weeks, a Grimes County judge ruled in favor of a group of buyers who said Coulam reneged on a $60 million agreement to sell the festival and surrounding properties, despite having accepted a down payment and closing costs.

The court ordered the sale to proceed and awarded the plaintiffs — RW Lands, Texas Stargate, and Royal Campground — $22 million in damages and an additional $1 million in legal fees.

Despite the legal turmoil, festival officials have affirmed that operations for the 2025 season will continue as planned, emphasizing a commitment to preserving the event’s legacy.

Tributes and Community Response

The Texas Renaissance Festival issued the following statement in response to Coulam’s passing:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival. For more than 50 years, he built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff, and guests.

At this time, we ask for respect and privacy for Mr. Coulam’s family and the extended Texas Renaissance Festival family as they grieve. As this is a deeply personal matter, we are not offering additional comments at this time.”

Meril Rivard, president of Texas RF, Inc., also expressed condolences:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of George Coulam. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones. Like everyone else who loves the Texas Renaissance Festival, we remain committed to ensuring that the festival lives on, and we are working steadfastly to make that happen.”

The Texas Renaissance Festival is held annually over six weekends each fall, and it has become a cultural institution in the region. Plans for its 51st season are moving forward.