From protest to community event, annual ‘Meat-In’ supports local causes 

STERLING, Co. -- About six years ago, Colorado Governor Jared Polis encouraged a day of not eating meat, a “meat-out.” 

In protest of what the governor’s statement and the agricultural community, the owners of the Sterling Livestock Exchange, the Santomaso family, staged a “Meat-In.” The event started at the parking lot of the Livestock Commission and has grown to a carnival-like atmosphere at the Logan County Fairgrounds. 

“This community is absolutely unbelievable. They want to help, and it doesn’t matter what they’re doing but they’re going to help and they’re going to give all they can. It uh, did look like a carnival from the stage as well. The community showed up. It was a huge day,” he said. 

The 2026 event started with a benefit concert Friday. Saturday included a free hamburger/hot dog lunch with all the extras, and a variety of vendors as well as a live auction.  

Each year, designated beneficiaries receive a portion of the proceeds. This year the proceeds will be divided between the Jason Murphy family and Courtney Pickens Wernsman, a single mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Murphy passed away in a recent ATV accident near Sterling. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, the two-day event brought in about $320,000. Santomaso said they were still receiving donations on Wednesday. The Friday night concert brought in an additional $25,000.  

“It’s just become such an amazing event that I think everybody in the county looks forward to it, and we don’t really have to push too hard to get this community to show up and help.