Retailers and their families got into the spirit of St. Louis yesterday as Standard Publishing's Sneak Peak Product Party offered a taste of foods from the Gateway City.

Held in the spacious Crystal Room on the 20th floor of the historic Renaissance Grand Hotel, the reception featured standard appetizers such as sliced fruits and vegetables as well as must-try fare for St. Louis visitors such as toasted ravioli, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard and Fitz's Root Beer.

"I wasn't expecting it (the party) this time because of the economy," said Marie Palmer, owner of IHS Christian Books, Gifts & More in Livonia, Mich., who attended Standard's Sneak Peak Product Party last year. "I thought they would be downsizing. Standard is a real trooper. This is an absolute special treat."

Lorraine Valk, co-owner of Banner Books Parable Christian Store of St. Joseph in St. Joseph, Mich., said that "Standard really knows how to throw a party."

"I think it's very nice of them to do this," said Valk, as she waited in line to have a book signed by Mary Manz Simon. Besides Simon, there were six other Standard authors on hand at the reception, including Pat Williams, Joe Boyd and Brenda Garrison. "I wasn't expecting it to be this grand," Valk added.

Brenda Harrison, co-owner of Lighthouse Christian Bookstore in Bedford, Ind., added: "We weren't expecting to eat here, but we were coming to the event. It's pretty awesome that they're giving away free product and awesome food."

Jeff Ray, Standard's vice president of sales and marketing, said there was "an amazing turnout" for the reception, which also offered guests a preview of the company's 2011 VBS curriculum-Inside Out and Upside Down on Mainstreet: Where Jesus Makes a Difference Every Day. Approximately 300 store representatives were invited to the event.

"I'm thrilled to death with the number of retailers here," Ray said. "It's a good sign that the retailers are here for the show. I was a little bit apprehensive, but this is a great turnout."

Bob Wallace, Standard's marketing manager-children's, youth and VBS, said last year's product party generated sales for the company. "Last year we had more than 350 retailers and their families," Wallace said. "People want to be able to meet authors, mingle and talk. They want to see more of the products. It led to a lot of excitement in the booth. It led people to order stuff. We try to keep it lighthearted, fun and not try to conduct business here."

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