The average N.C. State University freshman likely goes to the State Fair to taste a funnel cake, try to win a stuffed animal or take a spin on the Tilt A Whirl.

Freshman Scotty McCreery is performing two sold-out concerts in Dorton Arena.

It’s part of a busy week for the Garner “American Idol” winner, whose second album – a collection of Christmas songs – also is being released Tuesday.

Scotty’s concerts: Monday night’s show quickly sold out when fair officials announced it months ago. A second show, for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, was announced later and sold out, too. McCreery’s concerts, at $25 a ticket, are the top-priced shows at this year’s fair.

The new CD: “Christmas with Scotty McCreery,” available in stores and for download Tuesday, includes 11 songs that range from standards like “Jingle Bells” and “Winter Wonderland” to hymns such as “The First Noel” and “O Holy Night.” McCreery, who says Christmas is his favorite time of year, also includes “Mary, Did You Know?” which he has sung at Christmas Eve services in recent years.

His first CD: “Clear As Day,” released a year ago, went platinum (selling more than 1 million copies) in three months. It debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Album charts.

What’s next: While taking classes at NCSU, McCreery, who just celebrated his 19th birthday, continues touring with country singer Brad Paisley through Saturday.

Also at the fair: After McCreery, there’s still plenty of music at the State Fair, including another North Carolina native, country singer Jason Michael Carroll on Wednesday. R&B singer Brian McKnight performs Thursday, Christian singer Michael W. Smith on Friday, country star Billy Currington on Saturday and eclectic singer Corey Smith on Sunday.

Staff writer Thad Ogburn