ROYAL CITY - In perhaps its earliest decision ever, the Royal City SummerFest Committee has chosen Royal High School's first principal, Kenneth Kallenberger, as its grand marshal for the 2015, July 10-12, celebration.

It is the perfect choice. SummerFest will celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Royal's first graduating class as well as all of the succeeding graduating classes.

The 2015 SummerFest theme is Royal Reunion: 50 Years of Class.

Events will be held at the park as well as the school grounds, beginning with a barbecue and Old Fashioned Pep Rally on Friday, July 10, at Royal High School.

Saturday, events will resume at Lions Park. There will be a free Cowboy Breakfast at 6 a.m. on Saturday, the Run Royale (fun run) at 7 a.m. and the Grand Parade at 10 a.m.

Kallenberger was the first principal at Royal High School in 1965. In addition, Kallenberger donated countless hours helping with the construction of Royal High.

"We feel it is quite fitting that Mr. Kallenberger be honored for his lifelong contributions to our school and community," the committee's Cara Hoyt said.

Kallenberger spent many years as a coach of basketball and track and taught World War II History classes. After retiring in 1982, he purchased a small farm on the Royal Slope, where he works a cow-calf operation to this day.

At the young age of 82, Kallenberger still loads hay, changes water and tends to nearly 100 head of cows on a daily basis. Kallenberger is also active with the New Life Church in Royal City.

Kallenberger enjoys sports of all kinds, from the Seattle Seahawks to WSU Football to Gonzaga Basketball to Seattle Mariners Baseball. His favorite teams are still the fighting Royal Knights.

Kallenberger's knowledge of World War II and local history is extensive. His children and grandchildren speak fondly of his story telling.

"Please help us welcome Ken Kallenberger as the 2015 Royal SummerFest Royal Reunion grand marshal and thank him for his lifetime of service to our school and community," Hoyt urged.