Summer has kicked into cowboy-boot-wearing, belt-buckling, beer-drinking high gear at the Blue Moon Nite Club in Columbia Falls.

The bar, restaurant, casino and dance hall is a regular local hot spot during the cooler months, but with the addition of the weekly rodeo series held on the grounds during the summer, it’s rare to see many empty parking spots in the lot.

The original Blue Moon opened in the 1940s, during the construction of the Hungry Horse Dam. Though it’s gone through many changes over the years, the name has remained the same.

In 1972 the Blue Moon was bought by Dick and Charlotte Sapa, and is still run by the Sapa family today.

One of the unique aspects of the bar are the various animal mounts on display, which are especially popular with tourists.

The Blue Moon also boasts a pool table, big-screen TVs, regular poker games and nightly drink specials. There is live music every Friday and Saturday night beginning at 9 p.m.

The club offers free dance lessons for all experience levels on Wednesday evenings, and karaoke with Al on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Summer rodeo is at 7 p.m. every Thursday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The 17th Annual Blue Moon Bull Bash is coming up on Sunday, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m.

The grill is open seven days a week.

The Blue Moon Nite Club is located at 6105 U.S. 2 West in Columbia Falls.

For more information and event details, visit www.bluemoonmontana.com or call 406-892-9925 or 406-892-3110.