Long-time owner works final shift at Helmville's Copper Queen Saloon

The Copper Queen Saloon, Helmville's only local watering hole, recently changed hands after more than two decades.

Former owner and chief bartender Tami Foell, who ran the Copper Queen – Helmville's sole commercial establishment – for nearly 21 years, worked her last shift behind the bar Monday, Apr. 30.

"It was just time," Foell said of her decision to sell.

The host of the official Helmville Rodeo Sunday night Labor Day Dance, the Copper Queen is known for its old-time Western bar vibe and its warm and inviting atmosphere.

The bar, described by one online reviewer from Berlin, Germany, as an "original Montana saloon," and by another reviewer as a "real Montana bar...so much better than a franchise by the Interstate or a chain in the city," is more than just an authentic Montana experience for passersby. It has long been a popular evening's destination for the residents of Ovando, Lincoln, Avon and the surrounding areas. For Helmville's 250 residents, the "Queen" has been a hub in the community, providing a place to gather, socialize, eat, drink or rent a movie.

Naturally, news of the bar's sale was cause for concern amongst some patrons, but Foell said the fact that new owners Tommy and Katie Applegate are Helmville locals laid most concerns to rest.

"People from out of town who stop in all of the time were concerned, but as soon as I told them it's a local couple buying it, they're like 'Oh, good,'" Foell said. "Hopefully they won't make too many changes."

One thing that will remain nearly the same, with the exception of Foell herself, is the bar's staff.

"They are keeping it the same, and adding one," she said.

The bar hosted a going away party for Foell on Saturday, Apr. 28, and Foell said the event was well attended. Customers were encouraged to cash in all drink chips before the Applegates took official ownership Tuesday, May 1.

As for Foell, she said although she'll miss the familiar faces, she is ready to move on.

"I'm just going to go out and help on the ranch a little more and take some time off and try and figure out what we're going to do," she said, adding that she'd see her regulars soon, for a drink and a visit on the other side of the bar.