i don't think $5 is unreasonable, the one show i go to every year is 6 but if you plan on going back(3 day show) you can buy a pass for 12 i think.
i have also attended some shows that are part of local festivals. The quilts are set up in a public building like a library and it's free to see them.
It's not something I do every week so I don't mind paying to get in.