CALLICOON — The Western will celebrate 10 years under the ownership of Irene Nickolai on Saturday, October 10, with the official unveiling of its newly restored historic Grand Ballroom. The celebration will span two floors, featuring music, dancing, tastings and entertainment.

Built in 1852 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Western is one of Callicoon’s most recognizable landmarks. Over the past decade, Nickolai has devoted herself to preserving the property while expanding its lodging, dining, weddings, live music and community programming.

Nickolai purchased The Western in 2016 while serving as president of the Callicoon Business Association and renovating her home next door. At the time, the hotel had been closed for years.

The building needed extensive work. Drop ceilings concealed its historic details, guest rooms had worn carpeting and dated finishes, and parts of the heating system no longer worked. The week Nickolai purchased the property, rain was leaking into the ballroom.

Restoration began with the guest rooms, followed by the restaurant and other spaces. After the pandemic, The Western expanded its outdoor seating and added an outdoor stage. The ballroom’s completion marks the latest milestone in that decade of work.

“Completing the ballroom is the beginning of another chapter—not only for The Western, but for what we can offer our community and the entire region,” said Nickolai.

An Iconic Historic Ballroom

Dating back to the 1870s, the ballroom has long been a gathering place at the heart of Callicoon. From suffragette meetings and Firemen’s Balls to town celebrations, its history reflects generations of community life.

The Western Ballroom’s musical legacy includes performances by legends Rick Danko and Richie Havens, as well as acclaimed artists Eilen Jewell, Laura Cantrell and Cliff Westfall. It has also hosted community fundraisers for Farm Arts Collective, DVAA and NACL, as well as popular annual events including Dickens on the Delaware and Callicoon PorchFest.

A Ballroom Reborn

The newly restored Grand Ballroom opens up possibilities for weddings, celebrations, benefits, performances and cultural events throughout the year.

Nickolai hopes the community will embrace the venue as a gathering space, with plans for yoga, dance classes, tai chi and full wellness retreats. Year-round programming could help sustain that activity through the quieter fall and winter months.

Reaching this point has required a decade of persistence. Maintaining a historic hotel brings constant challenges, from frozen pipes to boilers failing during a busy weekend with guests. Those systems have since been repaired or replaced.

“It’s like being on a ship and trying to figure out how to make it work,” Nickolai said.

With the ballroom restoration complete, Nickolai is looking ahead.

“I’ve found my footing, and I’m excited to see our guests bring new life to the hotel,” she said. “I’m also proud to bring entertainment back to Callicoon and carry forward the Catskills’ rich tradition of music and performance, from the Borscht Belt era to Woodstock.”

175 Years—and Counting

In 2027, The Western will celebrate its 175th anniversary—a remarkable milestone for a hotel that has been part of Callicoon’s story since 1852. Generations of travelers, neighbors, musicians and families have gathered here, making it a place where the town’s history and personal memories meet.

One Historic Hotel. One Very Big Night—with Many More to Come

The October 10 celebration will kick off with cocktails and a custom hat bar from Bespoke Brims. Sarah East Johnson of Outta Line will lead guests through line dancing before the Grand Ballroom ribbon cutting and champagne toast.

Local legend Miss Emma, whose performing career has taken her far beyond the Catskills, will then host the kickoff show for the upcoming series Burlesque at The Western, bringing together standout performers from New York City and hometown favorites for a dazzling evening. DJ Kev will keep the party going through the night.

The evening is sponsored by Roscoe Beer Company, Isle of Harris Gin and the new Catskill House Distillery. Tickets include a welcome drink, champagne toast, show and dancing. Doors open at 7 p.m.