HOLYOKE – Two Western Massachusetts entertainment establishments, the Log Cabin and Eastern States Exposition, have come together to offer favorite Big E tastes in a whole new setting with the New England Craft Pub at the Log Cabin.

“We heard the disappointment in our guests’ voices when the Big E was cancelled. We are excited to work with the great team at the Big E to be able to bring a little part of this annual tradition to the local community.  It may look a little different but we aim to create the same welcoming joyful environment that patrons of the New England Craft Pub are used to experiencing each year,” said Log Cabin owner, Peter Rosskothen in a press release about the new venture.

Rosskothen said that they have partnered with two of the largest distributors in the area, Quality Beverage and Commercial Distributing are sponsored by Amherst Brewing, Samuel Adams, Shipyard Brewing Company and Wormtown Brewing.

In addition to the 18 beers and ciders from around southern New England on tap, the craft beverage menu offers a house sangria, frozen sangria, chardonnay, cabernet, rose, LaMarca Prosecco and a Whiteclaw Hard Seltzer.

To pair with the various drinks, New England Craft Pub at the Log Cabin is offering a menu of what Rosskothen called, “Big E favorites.” Appetizers include the horseradish cheddar cheese and crackers and bavarian salted pretzels served with a honey mustard sauce. The popular turducken – a hefty sandwich of turkey, duck and chicken combined into a soft patty and on grilled bread, with seasoned, kettle–cooked chips is among the sliders on the menu. And for dessert, they have the Big E’s famous cream puffs and a dish called “Beer A Misu.”

The prices are similar to what guests would have found at the Big E, with 16–ounce drinks at $8 and food ranging from $6 to $14.

There will be outdoor entertainment with small and large bands on the terrace, weather permitting. The hours for the New England Craft Pub at The Log Cabin are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with entertainment from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturday, the venue will be open between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. and music will be featured from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, the Craft Pub will be open 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. but will have entertainment from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We feel passionate people know we’re doing everything for safety,” Rosskothen told Reminder Publishing. As such, the 30 outdoor picnic tables and the 27 indoor tables seat a maximum of six people and are spaced 10-feet apart. While walk–in guests are welcome, the Log Cabin strongly recommends reservations. Whether guests reserve a table or not, names and phone numbers are required in case contact tracing is necessary.

Masks are worn by the staff at all times and guests are asked to wear a mask when getting up from their table.

The seatings are scheduled in one and a half hour intervals, with sanitization between seatings. In accordance with orders from Gov. Charlie Baker, guests must purchase food in order to buy alcoholic drinks.

At the end of the day, both Rosskothen and Eastern States Exposition CEO Gene Cassidy hope that the pub experience will draw people into the Log Cabin and help the mountain-top event locale and vendors stay in business. The Log Cabin has essentially been shut down since the pandemic forced the state to close large venues in March, only hosting outdoor parties of no more than 40 people. The venue usually attracts weddings and corporate events that of up to 450 people.

“I want to thank Peter for thinking outside the box,” Cassidy said, turning to Rosskothen. “Our goal is to help you do well, and keep our economy going. It’s going to help keep businesses rolling.”

Cassidy said that the small, “boutique” businesses that set up at the Big E rely on exposure from the two-week fair to drive sales year round. “All of these breweries employ people,” Cassidy said referring to the vendors for the New England Craft Pub. “By supporting a local business like the Log Cabin, it’s supporting the Eastern States, the brewers, and businesses all over the community.”

Rosskothen said, “Having the opportunity to do something exciting for the next four weeks is a big deal.” While the Log Cabin is committed to a four week-run with New England Craft Pub, Rosskothen said that there is an opportunity to extend the partnership if the demand is there.

So far, the demand is high. As of Sept. 9., Rosskothen said that the venue had reservations for 850 people on the first weekend, 400 of them on Saturday alone.

Reservations can be made and the full menu found at www.thelogcabin.com/new-england-craft-pub.