Country music entertainer Toby Keith performs an Easter USO concert aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Guerra/flickr)

By The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD - Country music star Toby Keith will perform at the Illinois State Fair next year.

Fair organizers on Tuesday announced that Keith will perform on the grandstand stage on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Keith is a singer-songwriter who was named country music's ``Artist of the Decade'' last year. His songs include ``Made In America,'' ``Beer For My Horses'' and ``Red Solo Cup.''

State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick (BLEEF'-nihk) says it isn't often that the fair gets the chance to book artists of Keith's stature. And she says she's ecstatic he's agreed to perform.

Tickets will go on sale next year.