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A Note from the Publisher

Thank You!

By Debra Flanagan, Macaroni KID Chicago Northside January 4, 2022

As we enter 2022, we wanted to send a sincere thank you to all of our readers and business partners.  We have had a great year, and we couldn't have done it without you. 

We published 49 newsletters with about 275 articles over the course of the year, and far exceeded industry standards in terms of open and click rates. We provided guides to spring camps, summer camps, several different holiday's events and activities, nearby skiing, indoor pool rentals, local lodging, local holiday shopping, and more.

We held free Virtual Storytime Sessions with Cruising Characters, and free Virtual Bollywood Demonstrations and Diwali Storytime with Dance with Miss Priya. We offered free printables for various occasions throughout the year, and a different free magazine subscription every month. We've provided links to exceptional discounts, via CertifiKID, for great family-oriented products, vacations, and local events. In fact, twice we achieved the highest use of these discounts nationally. (Good for you - I am a firm believer in never paying full price!)

Subscribership has grown consistently by an average of 7% week over week.  We are extremely flattered by your interest and engagement, and humbled by all the kind messages we've received.  Personally, my favorite part of this business has been running contest giveaways. 

Over the last twelve months we have awarded thousands of dollars worth of prizes:

  • A visit from the Easter Bunny from A Hardy Party
  • A 5-visit Crafternoon Punchcard from Wishcraft Workshop
  • Yoni Steam with Floral Foot bath from Blush Beauty Studio
  • A ticket to Dinosaur Drive-Thru at Six Flags Great America
  • Graduation Balloon Bouquet from  A Hardy Party
  • A photo gift from A Little Photo Studio (worth $650!)
  • A Father's Day lawn bouquet, from A Hardy Party
  • 4 tickets to Circus Vazquez, in Schaumburg
  • 9 tickets to Volo Auto Museum
  • 4 tickets to Santa's Village
  • 4 tickets to Monster Jam at Allstate Arena
  • 2 VIP tickets (worth $50) to Movies @ Gallagher Way
  • Family 4 Pack to the Gold Over America Tour at Allstate Arena
  • 4 tickets to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks at NOW Arena
  • 8 Fast Pass tickets to The Old Joliet Haunted Prison
  • 8 Fast Pass tickets to The 13th Floor Chicago
  • 4 tickets to Jurassic Quest in Rosemont
  • 4 tickets to The Dr. Seuss Experience at Water Tower Place
  • Family 4-Pack of tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters, Allstate Arena
  • Family 4-Pack of tickets to Disney on Ice, Allstate Arena
  • Family 4-Pack of tickets to Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. Tour, Allstate Arena (underway)

Not to mention the kid's prize wheel we have operated at numerous events throughout the Northside.

If you haven't won anything yet, keep trying.  As current subscribers, you have absolutely nothing to lose. If you've missed a contest, be sure to follow us on Facebook so you don't miss another.  

This next year, we will strive to provide interesting content, more informative guides, links to incredible deals, and connections to local businesses. We hope you continue to find value as a reader, as we aim to be a resource worth sharing with your parent network.  As always, we welcome your feedback, inquiries, and content contributions.

To our partners, thank you for your support, as we could not provide this community resource, for free, without you. We are committed to providing a hyper-local platform that informs the ever-growing, Northside, family population. We look to strengthen inter-neighborhood commerce and community partnerships.

We have only scratched the surface of all we hope to do.  Stay tuned for our 2022 Summer Camp Guide, our 2022 Birthday Party Venue Guide, a Date Night Guide, and more! (please reach out if you are interested in participating)

We wish you all a prosperous 2022.  We are honored to be a part of your journey.


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