News

'Meat-in' 2024 scheduled for March 16

Sterling Livestock Commission and event supporters are bringing back the annual "Meat-In" for 2024. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Logan County Fairgrounds in Sterling, Colo.

Thursday, March 14th 2024, 8:42 AM MDT

Updated:

Thursday, March 14th 2024, 9:08 AM MDT

By Forrest Hershberger

Jason Santomaso, center, owner/manager Sterling Livestock commission, chats with supporters of the 2023 Meat-In.

Forrest Hershberger/News Channel Nebraska

(Pictured above: Jason Santomaso talks with potential bidders before beginning the auction at the 2023 Meat-In.)

STERLING, Colo. -- Sterling Livestock Exchange is continuing annual "Meat-In at Sterling Livestock."

The event traces its history to a protest of sorts when Colorado Gov. Jared Polis called for a "Meat-Out Day." The day encouraged everyone to not eat meat on that particular day. About three years ago, Gov. Polis called for "Meat Out Day" on March 20.

Jason Santomaso, owner/manager of Sterling Livestock Commission, says the comment "didn't set well with us, so we decided to have a free hamburger feed and benefit auction."

The "Meat-In" has grown into an annual event with proceeds funding scholarships and local causes. In the past, donations have supported Angels of America's Fallen and Miracle Letter Program.

The first year the Meat-In was held adjacent to the Sterling Livestock Commission. It has since been moved to the Logan County Fairgrounds Exhibit Center. The event served about 2,400 people the first year and raised about $130,000 with the auction. Proceeds rose to about $164,000 in 2022, although the number of participants decreased modestly.

The hamburger feed is offered free, with a free-will donation and an auction of donated goods. Proceeds from the auction and meal go to charities and local causes. Santomaso said they have supported Angels of America's Fallen, and the Miracle Letter Program in addition to local causes.

The mission of Angels of America's Fallen is to "encourage and fund healthy positive activities for the children of fallen firefighters, military, and law enforcement," according to the organization's website. The Miracle Letter Program, of Logan County, describes itself as "neighbors helping neighbors" in Logan County, Colo.

In addition, proceeds from the event supports scholarships for students who are agriculture-related programs.

For more information or to donate to the event, call Jason Santomaso at 1-970-520-3049.