BETHEL, Maine ??” Visitors to the western Maine town of Bethel can fill up their gas tanks this summer courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce and area innkeepers. The promotion, ???Tanks for the Memories,??? offers a free fill-up (up to $20) with a stay of three or more nights including weekends from June 15 through foliage season October 15, 2005.

Says Allen Connors, manager of the Bethel Inn Resort & Country Club, “Bethel is best known as the home of Sunday River Ski Resort, but we offer summer fun too-championship golf courses, canoeing and fishing on the Androscoggin river, day hikes in the White Mountain National Forest, horseback riding, antique shopping and gem hunting-a discovery experience unique to this region of western Maine.”

The promotion was developed to address the rising cost of auto travel for the summer traveler. “Bethel is a round trip tank away from southern New England urban centers. We want to let vacationers know about the variety of activities, lodging and dining that is less than a tank away,” comments Robin Zinchuk, executive director of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce.

To be eligible for the “Tanks for the Memories” promotion, reservations must be made through the Bethel Area Reservation Service at 800-442-5826. Travelers will receive their gas money at check-out.

Information on lodging, activities and events in the Bethel area is available on-line at www.bethelmaine.com.