The Blue Moon Nite Club, Casino & Grill has history and memories not only for locals but tourists combined over the last several decades.

     It opened in 1947 as a watering hole for local miners, farmers, ranchers, railroad, and dam workers in the Flathead. The area was bustling with hardworking folks and the intersection of what is now US Highway 2 and MT Highway 40 which was, and still is, the busiest intersections in the county. Serving naturally as a central thoroughfare. It was known to be a rough and ready kinda joint – buggies, hay trucks, hot rods, and hitched horses could always been seen outside.

     Dick and Charlotte Sapa, purchased the Blue Moon in the spring of 1972, and began tirelessly remodeling the bar while living in a small attached apartment, with their three children Charlene, Jim, & Billy. Now converted into office and storage space the Blue Moon uses every inch available to continue displaying their honored family members, history, and love for sports and the outdoors. With an over 60 foot long bar and what seems like endless taxidermy taken by the entire Sapa family over decades, the Blue Moon is definitely one of a kind.

     Although the outside is rather non-descript, the inside oozes character and a certain honky-tonk charm not all “dives” earn. The big dance floor is flanked by a huge glass-encased exhibit housing Kodiak grizzly and polar bear, small predators, various big horn sheep, and multiple Boone and Crockett Records. Edged with cozy, intimate seating before meeting the other side where a live poker table and pool tables are. You circle back to this vast bar with cougar, boar, and alligator mounts above it - the back light draws you near as you attempt to take it all in. The fabled “upstairs” is an area few outsiders get a tour of; several rooms completely filled with additional trophies from hunts all over the US, Canada, and the world.

     This family has not been without it’s hardships and tragedies – the Sapa family is one of community, survival, stubborn persistence, and fierce love. Dick & Charlotte’s son Jim & his best friend Ray Johnsrud, were killed after their car was struck by an Amtrak train in Columbia Falls in 1984; they were both 16 years old. Dick & Charlotte poured more of their time and focus back into the community by creating scholarship programs, memorials, dedicating fields, organizing fundraisers and tournaments to help the community in honor of Jim & Ray.

     Charlotte could be counted on sitting at the end of the bar in her custom chair, banging her tambourine to the beat of the band. She would tell like it was – without hesitation, while she didn’t often meet a stranger – cross her the wrong way and you would be shown the door. Dick had a towering presence and soft tone, with a kind face and a no-bullshit handshake – supporting his family and beliefs, his community, and joy for the outdoors; he too never met a stranger. They both passed in March 2021 – 19 days apart. The torch passed onto to Charlene and Billy – picking up, and carrying the Blue Moon schedule and events just as it had always been done.

     In April 2023, Billy passed just short of his 54^th birthday, leaving behind the next generation of Sapa’s to carry on the Blue Moon legacy. Billy was an avid outdoors men, sports enthusiast, highly respected hard-ass coach, mentor, helper of his neighbors and beyond, devoted friend, and supportive father. And in true Sapa form – the family rallied, and the torch was passed to his three children Hailey, Lane & Reggie.

     In between figuring out school, careers, and life these three with the help of many extended family members and trusted friends have picked up, and are carrying on. “Getting it Done” on every front – one way or another. The community in turn, has also returned the favor by supporting the Sapa’s and the Blue Moon business in Columbia Falls, hoping only to see it once again flourish and be redefined by opportunity, perseverance, and new perspectives.

     The Blue Moon Nite Club is more than a local dive bar. It’s an establishment that has cultivated community, provides purpose for many and enjoyment for others, but without falter - has consistently been The Blue Moon.

     We look forward to sharing our story with you, welcoming you in on a cold day, laughing with you in the summer sun, and sharing stories of what was, what is, and what could be. - Forever Grateful, the Blue Moon & the Sapa's