Posted by DAVID N. DUNKLE, Of The Patriot-News

Trace Adkins says that if you squint just right -- and what country music star can't squint just right? -- playing at the York Fair is like a trip back in time.

"It's a throwback, one of those fairs that just sticks out in my mind," says Adkins, who will perform next week at what is billed as "America's Oldest Fair." "There are a few around the country where you go and it just feels like it's Americana. If nobody told you, you might think it was 1950."

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Adkins has a new album, titled "X" (yes, his 10th), and a new single, "All I Ask for Anymore." But his show will feature lots of his past hits, which stretch back to 1996, and his first single, "There's a Girl in Texas."

Other crowd favorites from the 6-foot 6-inch baritone include "Every Light in the House" "The Rest of Mine" and "(This Ain't) No Thinking Thing."

"These days, I try to stay pretty much with the hits," Adkins said last week by telephone from a tour stop in upstate New York. "They want to hear the songs that they became a fan of you from. I understand. If I go to a George Strait concert and he don't play 'The Chair,' I'm going to be upset."

Opening for Adkins at York will be up-and-coming country star Jason Michael Carroll. They've played together a few times before.

"He's a great guy, I've got a lot of respect for him," Adkins said. "He does a good show."