TRF moves forward without King George

 Huzzah! The time cometh and hath now arrived for weekends of medieval merriment and frivolity at the Texas Renaissance Festival.

This 51st year of the festival in Todd Mission is the first without its founder, George “King George” Coulam. With this being the second weekend of the two-month festival, it is too soon to know what impact Coulam’s death will have on the event. My wife and daughter went with a friend to the opening day last Saturday and said that for the most part it is running like it always does.

A few things have changed, but that is normal as shops and performers come and go each season. We’ve certainly seen a progression of change in the 15 years we have been attending. Sandy and my three sons worked there for three seasons from 2017-2019. I’ve covered the festival for the different newspapers I have worked for and have become friends with the King and Queen of the festival (not to be confused with King George), and other performers and shopkeepers.

Despite our intimate familiarity with TRF, we never met King George and knew little about him until earlier this year when he lost control of the festival in a hard-fought court battle and then lost election as mayor of Todd Misson. Shortly thereafter he took his life at the age of 87.

To the best of my understanding, ownership of the festival is being hashed out in the courts. In the meantime, a leadership group is making sure the show goes on, which is a good thing.

From the bits and pieces I’ve gleaned over the years, King George was not the leader in the spotlight, but rather a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. That is odd considering his extreme desire for attention. He had a reputation as a “vicious, chauvinistic, narcissistic a****** who thrived on belittling those under his control,” according to one online post.

The HBO documentary “Ren Faire,” which I have not seen, reportedly paints a picture of King George as a greedy, perverted, power-hungry tyrant. My wife said he regularly made the rounds at the festival dressed anonymously in street clothes. Unless you knew who he was, you would have no idea he ran the show.

He was the kind of person you loved or hated, and for the people who worked at the festival it was mostly the latter. My wife was one of 1,500 current and former TRF employees to be invited to a private memorial for Coulam on Oct. 4. She was one of 1,400 who didn’t go.

It’s odd that such a vile person could run such a beloved festival noted for making millions of people very happy. A business reflects the values and reputation of its owners. In hindsight it makes sense that Texas Renaissance Festival is more of a fantasy fest than a Renaissance faire. The risqué, violent and grotesque aspects of the show combined with the liberal flow of alcohol and the open smoking and vaping are definitely reflections of King George.

Despite its dark side, Texas Renaissance Festival has much to like and enjoy. It has been a force for good in the region, generating jobs and untold economic benefits to the area. It is a source of delightful entertainment. I’ve always enjoyed the jousts, birds of prey program, costume contests, comedy shows and the wide variety of good food. The grounds are divided into different Renaissance era countries and each weekend is themed.

Sandy and I try to go at least two or three times a year. She took my daughter and her friend last weekend without me because I had a prior engagement. Heather and Maria were visiting from Colorado and had heard of TRF but never experienced it before. I think it overwhelmed them.

I look forward to going later now that the season is in full swing. I also eagerly anticipate the direction the festival takes under new management. I hope it will move away from the fantasy and focus more on the Renaissance aspects and a more family-friendly atmosphere.

In parting, since it would be inappropriate to say long live the king, let’s just say, long live the kingdom! Huzzah!