Media parties hosted by the Democrats and Republicans before their conventions only reinforced the stereotypes that often get attached to each party: the fun-loving Democrats with their “big tent” openness and the formal, structured GOP.

Democrats hosted media at an amusement park Aug. 23 in Denver. Guests at the free event were offered typical carnival fare like cotton candy and funnel cakes. Journalists got free access to most rides, perhaps so that they could hop on the Tilt-a-Whirl in case all the free beer didn’t make them dizzy enough.

On Saturday in Minneapolis, the Republicans treated journalists to a party at a museum and a performing arts theater. There, journalists were given hors d’oeuvres of pate, portobello mushrooms and crab sushi.

It was quite the contrast. Democrats set up picnic tables. It was pub tables for the GOP.

The one constant aside from the free-flowing food and drink? The freeloading reporters by the thousands to take advantage of it all.

The parties are a big convention week highlight for most journalists. More than a year before this year’s conventions, veteran reporters regaled this first-time convention-goer with stories about legendary media parties.The 1996 GOP party on the boardwalk in San Diego ranks among the best.

The media party is really the only time journalists can mingle with others in the profession and spend some time away from work during the always-hectic convention week. The party is traditionally held on the Saturday before a convention’s Monday start.