Once the fair really starts rolling, we anticipate the longest lines will not be at the roller coasters or the fried Coke place or the funnel cake stands. Why? Because all those things cost money.

Instead, look for long lines at the booths where fairgoers weigh themselves on an industrial scale or munch on hushpuppies or snack on livermush. Why? Because all these things are free.

If you're a fan of the written word, you may want to make a side trip in addition to those traditional, must-do attractions: the Harlequin romance tent, where copies of "Murder in Montana" are free.

Men in cowboy hats will be handing out copies all week. If that doesn't get you moving toward the bookstand, here's bit from the blurb on the back: "After Hudson Savage betrayed her, Dana Cardwell hoped never again to lay eyes on the seductive cowboy…"

Fact: Romance novels are some of the most popular items that the Durham County Library lends out each year.

(I think that means they are not just a guilty pleasure anymore, but something people love to talk about.)

So get out your favorite love stories and join the Durham County Library on Sunday at the second annual Romance Tea, where four local romance authors will talk about how they craft their stories, and what makes a good one.