Wayne Renn A new addition to the 2010 Railroad Days Celebration is a concert on Sunday afternoon at the Lincoln Park. Wayne Renn, a current Staples resident who was born and raised in nearby Brainerd, will be singing and playing from 4-7 p. m.

Renn, a singer, song writer and fiddle player, has been active with music since he was a kid. He travels all around the country and it’s been the only job he’s ever had.

Renn broached the idea of a concert on Sunday because he felt that it really rounded out Railroad Days.

“I would love to have this be a yearly part of Railroad Days. It adds a nice touch to the end,” said Renn.

Along with Wayne and his band, whose music he describes as progressive country, show goers will be able to see three different artists as well; Katie Ziegler, Lee Compton and Victoria Christmas. Ziegler was the local winner for the Country Showdown this year and she is now competing at the State Finals this weekend.

Because of the hard economic times Renn decided not to charge an admission fee.

“I didn’t feel that it was right to put up fences and charge for admission. I decided to not put up the fences so that anybody who wanted to could be there,” Renn said.

There will be food vendors, along with merchandise, CDs and t-shirts for sale. “We’d like this to be a family event, there will be games for the kids, along with the sweet little playground at the park.” He said to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the music.

Renn ran into a little bit of confusion with the planning of his concert. Neighbors and city council raised concerns over having a concert in a quiet neighborhood.

“I think people were envisioning something different, like a beer party, when I don’t even drink,” he said. “I like to be agreeable, I like to hear yes. Every town is different and I just asked the city council what they did want. They said something like a three hour show, no alcohol, maybe some food, and so that’s what we’re going

to do.”

With the short time Renn had to publicize the event, he’s not sure how many will make it out.

“We had 250 posters, but word of mouth has been the best advertisement, I’m hoping that everyone will tell their friends,” he said.

Renn is in the process of starting a record label, named Stately Records.

“I’m very into artist development,” he remarked. “At Stately Records we don’t think that people should have to go to record labels begging for help.”

His recording studio here in Staples is called The Avenue.

“I believe in helping artists bring their songs to a new level,” Renn said “I feel that the name is very fitting because an avenue is what takes you places.”