If you’re going to the N.C. State Fair this year and want to see all the attractions, you’d best bring along some extra cash. For decades, shows presented in Dorton Arena during the fair were free with a paid fair admission. But four years ago things changed. According to fair officials, people didn’t like waiting in line all day to see shows. They also indicated a preference for country, thus last week’s shows by Montgomery Gentry and Kenny Rogers and this week’s performances by Trace Adkins (Saturday, Oct. 22) and LeAnn Rimes and Phil Vassar (Sunday, Oct. 23). Rimes is sure to fill the arena–she’s got a new album, This Woman, and a top five hit, “Nothin’ ’bout Love Makes Sense.” Local fans can get a glimpse of their favorite idol when Fantasia performs on Thursday, Oct. 20. All shows are at 7:30 p.m. Prices and details are at www.ncstatefair.org.