Community Comes Together for Successful Third Annual CASA Palooza

Family-friendly music festival at Lilac Hedge Farm raises funds and awareness for youth in foster care

On Sunday, May 17, CASA Project Worcester County (CASA) and Cinch I.T. hosted the third annual CASA Palooza, an all-ages music festival, at Lilac Hedge Farm. The 2026 event was a record-breaking success, raising more than $9,000, thanks to the generosity of event sponsors, partners, vendors, community supporters, and festival goers. Proceeds from CASA Palooza support CASA’s mission of advocating for the best interests of vulnerable youth, amplifying their voices in juvenile court, and supporting them holistically as they navigate the child welfare system.

The event highlighted the strength of our Worcester County communities, bringing together families, local businesses, musicians, and community members for a day of live music, entertainment, food, and activities.
Keith Pettit, event founder and Regional Account Manager at Cinch I.T., the presenting sponsor of CASA Palooza, said, “CASA Palooza is all about bringing the community together, and I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we have received. It is exci ting to see the event continue to grow year after year, helping CASA expand its impact and further its mission.”

The festival featured live performances from local bands and musicians throughout the day, including the final performance of local favorite and CASA Palooza Headliner, Between the Waves. The event’s lineup also included FM Radio, The Earthmen, Futon Lasagna, and Brevity. Local food and beverages, raffle prizes, games, face painting, crafts, animal encounters, small business vendors, and more fostered an atmosphere that appealed to attendees of all ages.

Julie Bowditch, Executive Director of CASA, shared “I am proud of the collaborative effort that made this event such a success! CASA Palooza is intended to feel joyful, inclusive, and community-centered, and each year it continues to grow into something even more meaningful. We are grateful to foster this shared space with Worcester County.”

CASA Palooza was made possible thanks to the generosity of Cinch I.T.; Lilac Hedge Farm; Munq; Love, Tito’s; American Flatbread Worcester; Southbridge Credit Union; Adam M. Beaudry, CPA, LLC; Braised Food Truck; Hero Visuals; Nicole Wilhelmi Photography; Phil Smith Photography; Prentice Visual Media; Prince Lobel & Tye; Storage Plus Self Storage; Artful Face & Henna Hues; Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company; Sam’s Stems; Surfside; and Wegmans.