RaMet 07 History

The Grand Krewe of RaMet History

The Grand Krewe of RaMet was chartered as The Mystic Society of RaMet in the year 1938. Its successive Royalty, as King Ra and Queen Maat, has reined since its founding. RaMet is now the second oldest continually active Krewe of Carnival Memphis today. Members of RaMet represent a broad spectrum of occupations in the Memphis
area. Annual highlights of RaMet include the Asking Party, Flagman's Party, Duchess Party, Christmas Party and Last Nighter's.

RaMet supports all Carnival Memphis activities including coronations of all krewes, Carnival parade and charity events. As a registered not for profit organization, RaMet's charitable endeavors have raised many dollars for deserving Memphis organizations.

RaMet Flagman's Party

The Ra-Met Flagman’s party is one of the longest and most anticipated events of the season for Ra-Met members. The tradition has evolved over the years but one constant has remained. It is an opportunity for the King and Queen to honor their Board of Directors (Flagmen) and to show their appreciation to the membership for their support of the Royalty group during the current season. The Royalty Rules say this: King hosts a cocktail party for Ra-Met members and invited guests. An appropriate facility, full open bar (shall be provided from the RaMet bar inventory where allowed), and heavy hors d’oeuvres are required.

Queen is required to host a party for the Ra-Met general membership including dinner and full open bar (for the entire evening) at a location suitable for entertainment, dancing, etc. Krewe will provide Band or DJ, up to a cost of $500.00. The Krewe will pay a stipend, determined annually by the Board of Directors, based upon the number of Krewe members attending. Selection of entertainment is subject to Chairman’s approval. The Ra-Met bar will be provided where allowable. Party favors and decorations are at the Queen’s discretion.

The tradition behind the Flagman’s party and flag presentation is much more that the basic rules would indicate. Therefore this article is intended to provide a glimpse into a traditional Ra-Met Flagman’s party evening.

Traditionally, the members of the Krewe would meet at a central location where a chartered coach awaits. There the members would board the coach and enjoy a libation from the “World Famous Ra-Met Bar” while traveling to the Kings house or other selected location. After arriving at the Kings house the Krewe would disembark and gather for a ceremony to present King Ra with his Royal flag. The Chairman would say a few words of gratitude to King Ra for his service to the Krewe and would then unfurl King Ra’s Royal Flag to the applause of the delighted Krewe and the sound of the Royal cannon. Then the entire group would gather in the Kings house for a short reception, lasting about 45 minutes, to enjoy appetizers and cocktails with King Ra and his family.

The members would then re-board the coach to travel to the Queens house where a similar ceremony would take place and Queen Maat would be presented with her Royal flag to similar fanfare and the sound of the Royal cannon. Again a short cocktail party may take place.

Again boarding the chartered coach the entire Krewe would travel to the location selected by the Queen to enjoy an evening of splendor at her Royal Flagman’s dinner. Ra-Met members and guests would dine, dance and enjoy the music of the evening that the Queen has so generously provided for them.

Of course times change and things evolve. In recent years Ra-Met has seen King Ra and Queen Maat emerge from the same household. Sadly, the tradition of firing the Royal cannon has waned since 9-11 as neighborhoods have come to discourage such displays. Even the riding of the chartered coach has been missed due to various reasons such as logistics and selected locations not accommodating a large motor coach. This year the Board of Directors will revive the tradition of the motor coach. With our revised dues structure we now ask our single members to pay an appropriate admission price for their dates should they bring one. And, for a number of years now, the “World famous Ra-Met Bar” is provided to the King and Queen as a token of the Krewes appreciation for their service.

But over the years and through the various developments one thing has remained constant. That is the fun, friendship, and support shown to King Ra and Queen Maat from the members of Ra-Met. And the Royal Flagman’s Party continues to be a favorite event of the Carnival season. So please don’t forget to RSVP and we’ll see everyone at the party.

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