N.C. State Fair officials announced Thursday that Scotty McCreery, the Garner-based "American Idol" winner, will perform at Dorton Arena during the 2012 fair.

Scotty will play the fair Oct. 15, but tickets for the concert will go on sale next week.

Scotty's first CD, "Clear As Day," recently went gold.

"It may be a little early to be thinking about next year's fair, but we think Scotty tickets will make the perfect gift for country music lovers on your (Christmas) shopping list," Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said.

The $25 tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. Monday, and there's a six-ticket limit per buyer. Visit www .ncstatefair .org to buy the tickets.