Baltimore's party for Edgar

Don't look so gloomy, Edgar, it's party time!

In Baltimore, 2009 will be one long celebration of Edgar Allan Poe, who gave birth to the detective story and was a master of horror. This morning amid the treasures of the Enoch Pratt's Poe Room, local officials outlined a long list of events -- from lookalike contests to a funeral re-enactment -- marking the 200th anniversary of his birth. (Mayor Sheila Dixon was so enthusastic she mistakenly claimed Poe was born in here. Sorry, mayor, Boston holds that claim.)

Among the events: A Poe tribute in January by actor John Astin (The Addams Family); a Pratt exhibition of memorabilia, including a handwritten poem and lock of hair; and a Cask of Amontillado-themed wine-tasting in the Westminster Hall catacombs. There will also be Poe-related performances, including a one-man show by David Keltz.

Details and ticket information are at Nevermore2009. Baltimore's Poe House and Museum has its own calendar at PoeBicentennial.