"The country's economic challenges have hit small and large cities everywhere," says Linda Dobson, Main Street Punta Gorda's Executive Director. "When I shared the idea of sending our 2009 International Coconut Race representative named Phelps on a national tour, my fellow Main Street directors saw the potential for upbeat, local media coverage and increased attention to their important work. More than thirty locations immediately asked for a visit, and he's already been invited to a polar bear swim, an artists' luncheon, to be a parade Grand Marshal, and attend the National Main Street Conference in Chicago so far. It's amazing!"

The nut's hosts are encouraged to take photos and send them to Dobson to collect. When the National Main Street Center saw the stir that the Phelps Journey was creating on its listserv, they requested that photos also be shared on their Facebook page, "International Main Street Network." Some hosts may also capture video footage.

While rest and relaxation are the intent of the trip, Phelps will also be at work during his travels (but please don't tell him that!). Kevin Barr, an artist who has been decorating coconuts since the inception of the International Coconut Races almost two decades ago, is including on Phelps' "belly" the Main Street Punta Gorda's Web address and an outline of Florida, helping to put Punta Gorda - with a star - on the nut, er, map.

"All I ask is that Phelps' hosts have him back in time for the March 21, 2009 Coconut Craze Days, and to send me an e-mail to let me know when he's on the road," says Dobson. "You know how directors, just like mothers, can get nutty with worry."

Coco says "To follow Phelps' Travel Itinerary, please click on me and here to follow on the map."