Costco Wholesale Corporation is the largest membership warehouse club chain in the United States. As of July 2011 it was the sixth largest retailer in the United States, and the seventh largest retailer in the world. As of October 2007, Costco is the largest retailer of wine in the world.
Serving and entertaining over 20,000 people over two days in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC, the 21st Annual Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival is considered one of the most popular sanctioned barbecue competitions in the United States. The Festival offers great music on two stages both days—the Main Stage plus the smaller (shadier) Riverside Stage, the Foothills Craft’s Fair, and a Kids and Teens Fun Park with carnival rides and games. The Fourth Annual Classic Car Show will be held all day Saturday, and a “grand finale” fireworks display will light up the sky after dark on Saturday. The Travel Channel has listed the Festival as No. 5 on its Top 10 list of the World's Best Barbecue contests.