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        <title>A Top 30 Stream of GRAY MARKETING Press Releases (in MP3 format) via PRWeb</title>
        <link>http://www.prwebpodcast.com</link>
        <description>A Top 30 Stream of GRAY MARKETING Press Releases (in MP3 format) via PRWeb</description>
        <managingEditor>podEditor@emediawire.com (PRWeb)</managingEditor>
        <webMaster>podMaster@emediawire.com</webMaster>
        <pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:33:49 -0700</pubDate>
        <category>GRAY MARKETING</category>
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        <itunes:subtitle>A Top 30 Stream of GRAY MARKETING Press Releases (in MP3 format) via PRWeb</itunes:subtitle>
        <itunes:summary>A Top 30 Stream of GRAY MARKETING Press Releases (in MP3 format) via PRWeb</itunes:summary>
        <itunes:owner>
          <itunes:email>podEditor@emediawire.com</itunes:email>
          <itunes:name>PR Web</itunes:name>
        </itunes:owner>
        <itunes:author>PRWeb</itunes:author>
        <itunes:category text="GRAY MARKETING" />
        <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
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<item>
                        <title>Maine Chevrolet Ice Fishing Derby 2009 Features Two Tournaments</title>
                        <link>http://www.prweb.com/releases/ice/fishing/prweb1842014.htm</link>
                        <comments>http://www.prweb.com/releases/ice/fishing/prweb1842014.htm</comments>
                        <description> The Maine Chevrolet statewide ice fishing derby is scheduled for March 7,8. Adults and children may fish for togue, pike, pickerel and muskie on all Maine waters open to ice fishing. Over $60,000 worth of cash and merchandise prizes to be awarded including a Chevrolet Silverado  pick-up truck.  There are twenty two weigh stations located throughout the state. [PRWeb Jan 18, 2009]</description>
                        <guid>http://www.prweb.com/releases/ice/fishing/prweb1842014.htm</guid>
                        <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:53:42 -0800</pubDate>
                        <author>podcrew@extrahoop.com</author>
                        <enclosure url="http://prwebpodcast.com/pod/1842014/Maine_Chevrolet_Ice_Fishing_Derby_Features_Two_Tournaments.mp3"
                                length="4139110" type="audio/mpeg" />
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Windham, Maine (PRWEB) January 17, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.icefishmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank" title="The Maine Chevrolet Derby 2009">The Maine Chevrolet Derby 2009</a> features two ice fishing tournaments this winter. The Sebago Lake Derby is set for February 21 and 22 and the State Wide Derby is scheduled for March 7 and 8.
	
The tournaments are open to adults and youngsters and subject to all ice fishing regulations as set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.  Competitors may fish for togue, pickerel, pike and muskie.  Says Maine IF&#38;W fisheries biologist, John Boland,  &quot; The Sebago Lake Rotary has always coordinated with Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure their events are consistent with our fishery objectives. The derbies have been a wonderful success-encouraging families to take advantage of ice fishing and most importantly, raising money for charity.&quot;
	
For the Statewide Derby, first, second and third place cash prizes will be awarded for the largest fish of each species. All anglers who weigh their fish will be eligible for the grand prize drawing of a 2008 Chevy 4 x4. Other prizes include a choice of 2009 Ski Doo or Can Am ATV, Kittery Trading Post gift certificates, Mission Trailer and Ice Shack and fishing trip to Libby Camps in Ashland, Maine.
           
Weigh Stations for the Sebago Lake Tournament are Raymond Beach on Route 302 and Jordan&#039;s Store on Route 114 in Sebago.
	
There are twenty-two weigh stations from Cross Lake in Aroostook County to Acton in York County.  Fisherman may fish all legal waters throughout the state. 
	
The Maine Chevrolet Derby 2009, hosted by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club is a fund raiser for The Good Shepard Food Bank which supplies 500 food pantries throughout Maine; Camp Sunshine; Maine Children&#039;s Cancer Program, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Rotary Foundation, the DARE Program and local charities selected by the statewide weigh stations. 
	
Says derby organizer Tom Noonan of Raymond, &quot;Over the years we&#039;ve had thousands of fisherman participate and raised over $350,000 for charity.  We are recognized by Field &#38; Stream Magazine as one of the five best ice-fishing tournaments in the nation. Our hope is to become the nation&#039;s largest Ice-Fishing Derby and generate awareness and funding for all our charities.&quot; 
	
Other events scheduled in conjunction with the Sebago Lake Derby are a Kid&#039;s Derby on Thomas Pond in Casco on Friday, Feb 20, 9 am to noon; a motorcycle and car ice-racing event in Windham Friday evening from 6-10 pm; the Maine Children&#039;s Cancer Program Polar Dip at Raymond Beach noon, Saturday Feb. 21; hot air balloons, helicopter rides and a general aviation fly-in all day Saturday and a Snowmobile Radar Run at Raymond Beach from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, Feb. 22.
	
Maine fishing licenses and Derby entries may be purchased at the weigh stations and at the Kittery Trading Post. Entries along with a complete set of rules, prizes, weigh station locations, and registration information is available on line at <a href="http://www.icefishmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.icefishmaine.com</a> or by phoning 1-888-ICE-FLAG.  The entry fee is $30 per person for the Sebago Tournament, which includes a free entry into the Statewide Tournament, $20 per individual for the Statewide Tournament.  A Kid Pack entry is $50 for Sebago and $30 for Statewide. The Kid Pack includes entry for any two parents and up to 6 children under the age of 18.
	
The Maine Chevy Derby Fest Awards Ceremony and truck drawing will be held Tuesday, March 10.

###]]></content:encoded>
                        <itunes:author>Tom Noonan</itunes:author>
                        <itunes:subtitle>Maine Chevrolet Ice Fishing Derby 2009 Features Two Tournaments</itunes:subtitle>
                        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Windham, Maine (PRWEB) January 17, 2009 -- <a href="http://www.icefishmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank" title="The Maine Chevrolet Derby 2009">The Maine Chevrolet Derby 2009</a> features two ice fishing tournaments this winter. The Sebago Lake Derby is set for February 21 and 22 and the State Wide Derby is scheduled for March 7 and 8.
	
The tournaments are open to adults and youngsters and subject to all ice fishing regulations as set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.  Competitors may fish for togue, pickerel, pike and muskie.  Says Maine IF&#38;W fisheries biologist, John Boland,  &quot; The Sebago Lake Rotary has always coordinated with Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to ensure their events are consistent with our fishery objectives. The derbies have been a wonderful success-encouraging families to take advantage of ice fishing and most importantly, raising money for charity.&quot;
	
For the Statewide Derby, first, second and third place cash prizes will be awarded for the largest fish of each species. All anglers who weigh their fish will be eligible for the grand prize drawing of a 2008 Chevy 4 x4. Other prizes include a choice of 2009 Ski Doo or Can Am ATV, Kittery Trading Post gift certificates, Mission Trailer and Ice Shack and fishing trip to Libby Camps in Ashland, Maine.
           
Weigh Stations for the Sebago Lake Tournament are Raymond Beach on Route 302 and Jordan&#039;s Store on Route 114 in Sebago.
	
There are twenty-two weigh stations from Cross Lake in Aroostook County to Acton in York County.  Fisherman may fish all legal waters throughout the state. 
	
The Maine Chevrolet Derby 2009, hosted by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club is a fund raiser for The Good Shepard Food Bank which supplies 500 food pantries throughout Maine; Camp Sunshine; Maine Children&#039;s Cancer Program, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Rotary Foundation, the DARE Program and local charities selected by the statewide weigh stations. 
	
Says derby organizer Tom Noonan of Raymond, &quot;Over the years we&#039;ve had thousands of fisherman participate and raised over $350,000 for charity.  We are recognized by Field &#38; Stream Magazine as one of the five best ice-fishing tournaments in the nation. Our hope is to become the nation&#039;s largest Ice-Fishing Derby and generate awareness and funding for all our charities.&quot; 
	
Other events scheduled in conjunction with the Sebago Lake Derby are a Kid&#039;s Derby on Thomas Pond in Casco on Friday, Feb 20, 9 am to noon; a motorcycle and car ice-racing event in Windham Friday evening from 6-10 pm; the Maine Children&#039;s Cancer Program Polar Dip at Raymond Beach noon, Saturday Feb. 21; hot air balloons, helicopter rides and a general aviation fly-in all day Saturday and a Snowmobile Radar Run at Raymond Beach from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, Feb. 22.
	
Maine fishing licenses and Derby entries may be purchased at the weigh stations and at the Kittery Trading Post. Entries along with a complete set of rules, prizes, weigh station locations, and registration information is available on line at <a href="http://www.icefishmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.icefishmaine.com</a> or by phoning 1-888-ICE-FLAG.  The entry fee is $30 per person for the Sebago Tournament, which includes a free entry into the Statewide Tournament, $20 per individual for the Statewide Tournament.  A Kid Pack entry is $50 for Sebago and $30 for Statewide. The Kid Pack includes entry for any two parents and up to 6 children under the age of 18.
	
The Maine Chevy Derby Fest Awards Ceremony and truck drawing will be held Tuesday, March 10.

###]]></itunes:summary>

                        <itunes:category text="Sports &amp; Recreation" /><itunes:category text="Sports &amp; Recreation">
        <itunes:category text=" Outdoor" />
          </itunes:category>

                        <itunes:duration>00:15:00</itunes:duration>
                        <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                        <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
                        </item>
<item>
                        <title>Maine&#039;s Bethel Inn Resort Announces $2.99 Gas Guarantee</title>
                        <link>http://www.prweb.com/releases/gasoline/vacation/prweb1021814.htm</link>
                        <comments>http://www.prweb.com/releases/gasoline/vacation/prweb1021814.htm</comments>
                        <description>To alleviate the rising costs at the pump for summer vacationers, The Bethel Inn Resort in Maine is guaranteeing a gasoline price of $2.99 per gallon round trip to the resort from any departure point within 300 miles of the resort. [PRWeb Jun 16, 2008]</description>
                        <guid>http://www.prweb.com/releases/gasoline/vacation/prweb1021814.htm</guid>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:41:08 -0700</pubDate>
                        <author>podcrew@extrahoop.com</author>
                        <enclosure url="http://prwebpodcast.com/pod/1021814/Maine_s_Bethel_Inn_Resort_Announces_Gas_Guarantee.mp3"
                                length="3431551" type="audio/mpeg" />
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[(PRWEB) June 15, 2008 -- To alleviate the rising costs at the pump for summer vacationers, <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank" title="The Bethel Inn Resort in Maine">The Bethel Inn Resort in Maine</a> is guaranteeing a gasoline price of $2.99 per gallon round trip to the resort from any departure point within 300 miles of the resort. At check-in, the staff will calculate the round trip mileage and miles per gallon of the guest&#039;s vehicle. The difference between the current gasoline price at the guest&#039;s last fill-up and the $2.99 guarantee will be credited towards the guest&#039;s vacation.  



A minimum two-night stay is required. The gas guarantee is available for resort vacations from Father&#039;s Day, June 15 through Labor Day, September 1, 2008. Reservations for the guarantee must be made during the three week period, June 13-July 4, 2008.  
            
The Bethel Inn Resort located in &quot;Maine&#039;s Most Beautiful Mountain Village&quot;  at the base of the White Mountains  astride the Androscoggin River, offers summer vacations for families, couples and groups that are some of the most affordable in Northern New England.  Comparisons of vacation rates at similar resorts in coastal and mountain locations show a savings of anywhere from 32-37% on room rates, meals and activities.
	
A quick three-day, two night getaway for a couple includes two nights lodging, two full country breakfasts, two four course dinners, unlimited golf, use of all the resort amenities including the health club, outdoor pool and lake house with canoes and kayaks, resort fees and taxes from $170 per person per night.
	
Vacationers can save on the many no-fee recreational activities in the area like hiking in the White Mountains, nature walks to visit waterfalls or to take a dip in a mountain stream, rock hounding and gem mining at abandoned quarries (a favorite with kids), visiting the Bethel Historical Society and its guided walking tour of the historic district, and sampling a free piece of fudge at the Maine Line Products Store.  The community hosts special events nearly every weekend and there are free music concerts on the common.
	
Information on The Bethel Inn Resort and Bethel Village can be found on line at <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a> or by phoning 800-654-0125.

###]]></content:encoded>
                        <itunes:author>Brad JErome</itunes:author>
                        <itunes:subtitle>Maine&#039;s Bethel Inn Resort Announces $2.99 Gas Guarantee</itunes:subtitle>
                        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[(PRWEB) June 15, 2008 -- To alleviate the rising costs at the pump for summer vacationers, <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank" title="The Bethel Inn Resort in Maine">The Bethel Inn Resort in Maine</a> is guaranteeing a gasoline price of $2.99 per gallon round trip to the resort from any departure point within 300 miles of the resort. At check-in, the staff will calculate the round trip mileage and miles per gallon of the guest&#039;s vehicle. The difference between the current gasoline price at the guest&#039;s last fill-up and the $2.99 guarantee will be credited towards the guest&#039;s vacation.  



A minimum two-night stay is required. The gas guarantee is available for resort vacations from Father&#039;s Day, June 15 through Labor Day, September 1, 2008. Reservations for the guarantee must be made during the three week period, June 13-July 4, 2008.  
            
The Bethel Inn Resort located in &quot;Maine&#039;s Most Beautiful Mountain Village&quot;  at the base of the White Mountains  astride the Androscoggin River, offers summer vacations for families, couples and groups that are some of the most affordable in Northern New England.  Comparisons of vacation rates at similar resorts in coastal and mountain locations show a savings of anywhere from 32-37% on room rates, meals and activities.
	
A quick three-day, two night getaway for a couple includes two nights lodging, two full country breakfasts, two four course dinners, unlimited golf, use of all the resort amenities including the health club, outdoor pool and lake house with canoes and kayaks, resort fees and taxes from $170 per person per night.
	
Vacationers can save on the many no-fee recreational activities in the area like hiking in the White Mountains, nature walks to visit waterfalls or to take a dip in a mountain stream, rock hounding and gem mining at abandoned quarries (a favorite with kids), visiting the Bethel Historical Society and its guided walking tour of the historic district, and sampling a free piece of fudge at the Maine Line Products Store.  The community hosts special events nearly every weekend and there are free music concerts on the common.
	
Information on The Bethel Inn Resort and Bethel Village can be found on line at <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a> or by phoning 800-654-0125.

###]]></itunes:summary>

                        <itunes:category text="Business" /><itunes:category text="Business">
        <itunes:category text=" Management &amp; Marketing" />
          </itunes:category><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture" /><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture">
        <itunes:category text=" Places &amp; Travel" />
          </itunes:category><itunes:category text="Technology" /><itunes:category text="Technology">
        <itunes:category text=" Podcasting" />
          </itunes:category>

                        <itunes:duration>00:15:00</itunes:duration>
                        <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                        <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
                        </item>
<item>
                        <title>Western Maine Winter Resort Area Offers Gift of Gasoline Incentive to Early Season Skiers </title>
                        <link>http://www.prweb.com/releases/Bethel/Ski/prweb571145.htm</link>
                        <comments>http://www.prweb.com/releases/Bethel/Ski/prweb571145.htm</comments>
                        <description>Lodging establishments in Bethel, Maine are offering three gallons of gas per night per reservation to early season skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers. [PRWeb Nov 24, 2007]</description>
                        <guid>http://www.prweb.com/releases/Bethel/Ski/prweb571145.htm</guid>
                        <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:03:11 -0800</pubDate>
                        <author>podcrew@extrahoop.com</author>
                        <enclosure url="http://prwebpodcast.com/pod/571145/Western_Maine_Winter_Resort_Area_Offers_Gift_of_Gasoline_Incentive_to_Early_Season_Skiers_.mp3"
                                length="5931059" type="audio/mpeg" />
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[(PRWEB) November 23, 2007 -- From November 26 to December 22, 2007 and January 2-10, 2008, lodging establishments in Bethel, Maine, a winter vacation destination for Alpine and Nordic skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and snowmobilers, are offering a gift of gasoline--three gallons of fuel per day per reservation for guests staying two or more nights in the resort community.  Accommodations must be booked through the Bethel Area Reservation Service. Guests will receive the gas money at check-out.  The offer is good any two or more days including weekends during the promotional period.


	
The winter tourist season starts early in western Maine.  Sunday River Ski Resort opened for skiing and snowboarding on November 8th. Mt Abram Family Resort opens for the season on December 22. Nordic centers and snowmobile trails open in December after the first significant snowfall.  According to weather records from the past decade, the average date of the first appreciable snowfall is December 5th.  Along with outdoor activities, Bethel hosts a series of weekend events including craft and food fairs, ski equipment demo days, concerts, horse-drawn wagon rides, a Living Nativity scene, and shopping specials at local artisan shops. 

Says Robin Zinchuk, executive director of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce,  &quot;With the price of gasoline at record levels, skiers and snowmobilers are looking for added value in choosing their vacation destinations.   Area inns, B&#38;B&#039;s, and condominium and vacation home rental agents are offering this incentive for early December and early January.  We&#039;re hoping that both the price of gasoline and a lot of snow will fall this season.&quot;

&quot;Bethel traditionally hosts many early season winter vacationers looking for pre-season prices on lodging and activities.  We want to insure that these guests continue to visit before and after the Christmas holidays,&quot; adds Brad Jerome, president of the Bethel Area Chamber and marketing director at the Bethel Inn Resort.

Information on &quot;The Gift of Gasoline&quot;, events calendar and lodging descriptions are available on line at <a href="http://www.bethelmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelmaine.com</a>.  The Bethel Area Reservation Service can be reached at 1-800-442-5826.

###]]></content:encoded>
                        <itunes:author>Robin Zinchuk</itunes:author>
                        <itunes:subtitle>Western Maine Winter Resort Area Offers Gift of Gasoline Incentive to Early Season Skiers </itunes:subtitle>
                        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[(PRWEB) November 23, 2007 -- From November 26 to December 22, 2007 and January 2-10, 2008, lodging establishments in Bethel, Maine, a winter vacation destination for Alpine and Nordic skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and snowmobilers, are offering a gift of gasoline--three gallons of fuel per day per reservation for guests staying two or more nights in the resort community.  Accommodations must be booked through the Bethel Area Reservation Service. Guests will receive the gas money at check-out.  The offer is good any two or more days including weekends during the promotional period.


	
The winter tourist season starts early in western Maine.  Sunday River Ski Resort opened for skiing and snowboarding on November 8th. Mt Abram Family Resort opens for the season on December 22. Nordic centers and snowmobile trails open in December after the first significant snowfall.  According to weather records from the past decade, the average date of the first appreciable snowfall is December 5th.  Along with outdoor activities, Bethel hosts a series of weekend events including craft and food fairs, ski equipment demo days, concerts, horse-drawn wagon rides, a Living Nativity scene, and shopping specials at local artisan shops. 

Says Robin Zinchuk, executive director of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce,  &quot;With the price of gasoline at record levels, skiers and snowmobilers are looking for added value in choosing their vacation destinations.   Area inns, B&#38;B&#039;s, and condominium and vacation home rental agents are offering this incentive for early December and early January.  We&#039;re hoping that both the price of gasoline and a lot of snow will fall this season.&quot;

&quot;Bethel traditionally hosts many early season winter vacationers looking for pre-season prices on lodging and activities.  We want to insure that these guests continue to visit before and after the Christmas holidays,&quot; adds Brad Jerome, president of the Bethel Area Chamber and marketing director at the Bethel Inn Resort.

Information on &quot;The Gift of Gasoline&quot;, events calendar and lodging descriptions are available on line at <a href="http://www.bethelmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelmaine.com</a>.  The Bethel Area Reservation Service can be reached at 1-800-442-5826.

###]]></itunes:summary>

                        <itunes:category text="Arts" /><itunes:category text="Arts">
        <itunes:category text=" Food" />
          </itunes:category><itunes:category text="Business" /><itunes:category text="Science &amp; Medicine" /><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture" /><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture">
        <itunes:category text=" Places &amp; Travel" />
          </itunes:category><itunes:category text="Sports &amp; Recreation" /><itunes:category text="Sports &amp; Recreation">
        <itunes:category text=" Outdoor" />
          </itunes:category>

                        <itunes:duration>00:15:00</itunes:duration>
                        <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                        <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
                        </item>
<item>
                        <title>Maine&#039;s 2007 Whitewater Rafting Season Great Success </title>
                        <link>http://www.prweb.com/releases/rafting/business/prweb562790.htm</link>
                        <comments>http://www.prweb.com/releases/rafting/business/prweb562790.htm</comments>
                        <description>Outfitters of the Raft Maine Association report passenger  increases on all three wilderness rivers,  the Kennebec and Dead in The Forks and the Penobscot in Millinocket. A renewed efoort in co-operative marketing is credited with the business increase. [PRWeb Oct 28, 2007]</description>
                        <guid>http://www.prweb.com/releases/rafting/business/prweb562790.htm</guid>
                        <pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:45:59 -0700</pubDate>
                        <author>podcrew@extrahoop.com</author>
                        <enclosure url="http://prwebpodcast.com/pod/562790/Maine_s_Whitewater_Rafting_Season_Great_Success_.mp3"
                                length="5634297" type="audio/mpeg" />
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[(PRWEB) October 28, 2007 -- After five years of declining passenger numbers, members of the Raft Maine Association are reporting an increase of 4% on the Kennebec, 10% on the Penobscot and 16% on trips on the Dead River.  Maine&#039;s whitewater rafting season officially drew to a close on October 13, 2007 after a 176-day season, which began in late April.



Raft Maine members Crab Apple Whitewater, Magic Falls Rafting Company, Moxie Outdoor Adventures, North Country Rivers, Professional River Runners, Three Rivers Fun and Windfall Outdoor Center represent 63% of the state&#039;s commercial whitewater passengers.
	
Figures compiled by Florida Power &#38; Light indicate an increase of 1291 guests on the Kennebec River, up 4% from 2006.   Preliminary reports from the Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife show an increase of 10%, just over 600 passengers, on the Penobscot,   Individual outfitter reports from the Dead River indicate company increases of 15-35% for a total of 669 more rafters on the Dead. 
	
Other outdoor adventures activities also saw an up-tick. Magic Falls Rafting Company&#039;s  moose safaris are up 10%.  At Three Rivers Fun, 45% more thrill seekers combined a sky-diving trip with a raft trip on the Penobscot.  Scenic float plane rides at Moxie Outdoor Adventures were up 20% and were especially popular with families.  North Country Rivers reports that ATV business has shown steady growth and now exceeds its snowmobile revenues.   
	
Raft Maine president Jim Murton credits the good season to a renewed commitment by Raft Maine member outfitters to joint marketing and co-operative efforts with the Maine Office of Tourism, Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, Maine Tourism Association and Maine&#039;s hospitality businesses and trade associations.
	
Says Murton, &quot;We conducted an on-demand direct mail program, participated in travel trade shows and maximized our web referrals through reciprocal links to state web sites.  An Associated Press story about family rafting published everywhere from the Boston Herald to the Miami Herald to usatoday.com gave us a big boost.  We have the Maine Office of Tourism&#039;s public relations efforts to thank for that.&quot;
	
Managing Director, Wende Gray, believes the increase in business is attributable to Raft Maine&#039;s Travel Partners program.  &quot;This year we had over 150 inns, campgrounds, restaurants, and chamber information centers who displayed our brochures, posted a weekly whitewater report and had reciprocal internet links.  It&#039;s great to have that many salespeople out there talking about rafting to their guests,&quot; says Gray.
	
Gray reports that inquiries to Raft Maine were up 17% this season and requests for the 2008 season are especially strong from international travelers.
	
Official rafting industry passenger numbers will be available from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in early January 2008.

Raft Maine is a trade association of seven of Maine&#039;s professional white water outfitters.  Raft Maine maintains a website at <a href="http://www.raftmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.raftmaine.com</a> and a one-call reservation service at 800-RAFT-MEE  (800-723-8633).

###]]></content:encoded>
                        <itunes:author>WENDE GRAY</itunes:author>
                        <itunes:subtitle>Maine&#039;s 2007 Whitewater Rafting Season Great Success </itunes:subtitle>
                        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[(PRWEB) October 28, 2007 -- After five years of declining passenger numbers, members of the Raft Maine Association are reporting an increase of 4% on the Kennebec, 10% on the Penobscot and 16% on trips on the Dead River.  Maine&#039;s whitewater rafting season officially drew to a close on October 13, 2007 after a 176-day season, which began in late April.



Raft Maine members Crab Apple Whitewater, Magic Falls Rafting Company, Moxie Outdoor Adventures, North Country Rivers, Professional River Runners, Three Rivers Fun and Windfall Outdoor Center represent 63% of the state&#039;s commercial whitewater passengers.
	
Figures compiled by Florida Power &#38; Light indicate an increase of 1291 guests on the Kennebec River, up 4% from 2006.   Preliminary reports from the Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife show an increase of 10%, just over 600 passengers, on the Penobscot,   Individual outfitter reports from the Dead River indicate company increases of 15-35% for a total of 669 more rafters on the Dead. 
	
Other outdoor adventures activities also saw an up-tick. Magic Falls Rafting Company&#039;s  moose safaris are up 10%.  At Three Rivers Fun, 45% more thrill seekers combined a sky-diving trip with a raft trip on the Penobscot.  Scenic float plane rides at Moxie Outdoor Adventures were up 20% and were especially popular with families.  North Country Rivers reports that ATV business has shown steady growth and now exceeds its snowmobile revenues.   
	
Raft Maine president Jim Murton credits the good season to a renewed commitment by Raft Maine member outfitters to joint marketing and co-operative efforts with the Maine Office of Tourism, Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, Maine Tourism Association and Maine&#039;s hospitality businesses and trade associations.
	
Says Murton, &quot;We conducted an on-demand direct mail program, participated in travel trade shows and maximized our web referrals through reciprocal links to state web sites.  An Associated Press story about family rafting published everywhere from the Boston Herald to the Miami Herald to usatoday.com gave us a big boost.  We have the Maine Office of Tourism&#039;s public relations efforts to thank for that.&quot;
	
Managing Director, Wende Gray, believes the increase in business is attributable to Raft Maine&#039;s Travel Partners program.  &quot;This year we had over 150 inns, campgrounds, restaurants, and chamber information centers who displayed our brochures, posted a weekly whitewater report and had reciprocal internet links.  It&#039;s great to have that many salespeople out there talking about rafting to their guests,&quot; says Gray.
	
Gray reports that inquiries to Raft Maine were up 17% this season and requests for the 2008 season are especially strong from international travelers.
	
Official rafting industry passenger numbers will be available from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in early January 2008.

Raft Maine is a trade association of seven of Maine&#039;s professional white water outfitters.  Raft Maine maintains a website at <a href="http://www.raftmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.raftmaine.com</a> and a one-call reservation service at 800-RAFT-MEE  (800-723-8633).

###]]></itunes:summary>

                        <itunes:category text="Business" /><itunes:category text="Business">
        <itunes:category text=" Management &amp; Marketing" />
          </itunes:category><itunes:category text="Sports &amp; Recreation" /><itunes:category text="Sports &amp; Recreation">
        <itunes:category text=" Outdoor" />
          </itunes:category>

                        <itunes:duration>00:15:00</itunes:duration>
                        <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                        <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
                        </item>
<item>
                        <title>Food, Forests and Fun Theme of Maine Harvest Festival</title>
                        <link>http://www.prweb.com/releases/Maine/festival/prweb427394.htm</link>
                        <comments>http://www.prweb.com/releases/Maine/festival/prweb427394.htm</comments>
                        <description>Ninth Annual Bethel, Maine Harvest Fest September 15-17. Forest Products day on Friday with tours of saw mill, forest products manufacturers and artisans, free to the public.  Chowder and apple pie cook-offs on Saturday, farmer&#039;s market, historical society displays, cider-making, arts and crafts on the common. [PRWeb Aug 26, 2006]</description>
                        <guid>http://www.prweb.com/releases/Maine/festival/prweb427394.htm</guid>
                        <pubDate>Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:25:12 -0700</pubDate>
                        <author>podcrew@extrahoop.com</author>
                        <enclosure url="http://prwebpodcast.com/pod/427394/Food_Forests_and_Fun_Theme_of_Maine_Harvest_Festival.mp3"
                                length="4882108" type="audio/mpeg" />
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[(PRWEB) August 25, 2006 --The eighth annual Bethel, Maine Harvest Fest is scheduled for September 15-17.  Presented by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce (<a href="http://www.bethelmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelmaine.com</a>), the event celebrates the area&#8217;s farming, forestry and recreation tradition.



Friday&#8217;s Forest Products Day includes tours of Maine Line Products in Greenwood to view wood basket production; Maine Artisans Wood Gallery in Rumford to watch a wood-turning demonstration; Maine Balsam Fir Products in West Paris to view manufacture of balsam fir pillows; Timberlake&#8217;s Home Store in Bethel to view traditional Shaker furniture making and Hancock Lumber in Bethel to see the process of milling pine from debarking the logs to the final finished boards.  All tours are free to the public.

The Northern Forest Center&#8217;s &#8220;Way of the Woods&#8221; Exhibit will be on display Friday through Sunday at the Bethel Fire Station across from the town common. The interactive exhibit portrays the culture and heritage of the Eastern Northern Forest spanning Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.

Saturday&#8217;s Harvest Fest on the town common includes an arts and crafts fair, Farmers&#8217; Market, chainsaw carving, horse-drawn wagon rides, concert at the gazebo and the popular &#8220;Chowdah&#8221; Cook Off and Apple Pie Contest.

Chowder sampling coupons are 50 cents each for a 4 oz serving.  Chowders include corn, smoked and grilled seafood, clam, salmon, sweet potato and shrimp and Mexican Tortilla. Tasters will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chowder for the People&#8217;s Choice Award.  The apple pies will be judged in the categories of traditional, non-traditional and professional.  After judging, slices will be served.

The Bethel Historical Society will be open for its Maine Barn Exhibit, Natural Spaces photo display and old-fashioned apple cider making demonstration.

On Sunday, organized bike rides past local farms, hikes through the forests, canoe and fishing trips on the Androscoggin River, and apple picking at local orchards are planned.  Trail and route maps may be picked up at the Bethel Area Chamber Office.

A complete event schedule with locations and times is available from the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-442-5826, online at <a href="http://www.bethelmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelmaine.com</a>

###]]></content:encoded>
                        <itunes:author>Wende Gray</itunes:author>
                        <itunes:subtitle>Food, Forests and Fun Theme of Maine Harvest Festival</itunes:subtitle>
                        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[(PRWEB) August 25, 2006 --The eighth annual Bethel, Maine Harvest Fest is scheduled for September 15-17.  Presented by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce (<a href="http://www.bethelmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelmaine.com</a>), the event celebrates the area&#8217;s farming, forestry and recreation tradition.



Friday&#8217;s Forest Products Day includes tours of Maine Line Products in Greenwood to view wood basket production; Maine Artisans Wood Gallery in Rumford to watch a wood-turning demonstration; Maine Balsam Fir Products in West Paris to view manufacture of balsam fir pillows; Timberlake&#8217;s Home Store in Bethel to view traditional Shaker furniture making and Hancock Lumber in Bethel to see the process of milling pine from debarking the logs to the final finished boards.  All tours are free to the public.

The Northern Forest Center&#8217;s &#8220;Way of the Woods&#8221; Exhibit will be on display Friday through Sunday at the Bethel Fire Station across from the town common. The interactive exhibit portrays the culture and heritage of the Eastern Northern Forest spanning Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.

Saturday&#8217;s Harvest Fest on the town common includes an arts and crafts fair, Farmers&#8217; Market, chainsaw carving, horse-drawn wagon rides, concert at the gazebo and the popular &#8220;Chowdah&#8221; Cook Off and Apple Pie Contest.

Chowder sampling coupons are 50 cents each for a 4 oz serving.  Chowders include corn, smoked and grilled seafood, clam, salmon, sweet potato and shrimp and Mexican Tortilla. Tasters will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chowder for the People&#8217;s Choice Award.  The apple pies will be judged in the categories of traditional, non-traditional and professional.  After judging, slices will be served.

The Bethel Historical Society will be open for its Maine Barn Exhibit, Natural Spaces photo display and old-fashioned apple cider making demonstration.

On Sunday, organized bike rides past local farms, hikes through the forests, canoe and fishing trips on the Androscoggin River, and apple picking at local orchards are planned.  Trail and route maps may be picked up at the Bethel Area Chamber Office.

A complete event schedule with locations and times is available from the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-442-5826, online at <a href="http://www.bethelmaine.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelmaine.com</a>

###]]></itunes:summary>

                        <itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture">
        <itunes:category text=" Places &amp; Travel" />
          </itunes:category>

                        <itunes:duration>00:15:00</itunes:duration>
                        <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                        <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
                        </item>
<item>
                        <title>Family Golf School Vacation in Maine</title>
                        <link>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/6/prweb393454.htm</link>
                        <comments>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/6/prweb393454.htm</comments>
                        <description>The Bethel Inn Resort in Bethel, Maine opens the state&#8217;s only family vacation golf school on Father&#8217;s Day weekend, June 9. Maine golf courses have golf instruction packages for adults, and local club schools and day camps or clinics for kids but no shared program for parents and children. The Bethel Inn Resort, <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>, combines a summer vacation with daily golf instruction for the whole family. [PRWeb Jun 3, 2006]</description>
                        <guid>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/6/prweb393454.htm</guid>
                        <pubDate>Wed,  7 Jun 2006 15:49:42 -0700</pubDate>
                        <author>podcrew@extrahoop.com</author>
                        <enclosure url="http://prwebpodcast.com/pod/393454/Family_Golf_School_Vacation_in_Maine.mp3"
                                length="3888738" type="audio/mpeg" />
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[(PRWEB) June 3, 2006 -- The Bethel Inn Resort in Bethel, Maine opens the state&#8217;s only family vacation golf school on Father&#8217;s Day weekend, June 9. Maine golf courses have golf instruction packages for adults, and local club schools and day camps or clinics for kids but no shared program for parents and children. The Bethel Inn Resort, <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>, combines a summer vacation with daily golf instruction for the whole family.    

The Family Golf School Vacation offers three hours daily of instruction in chipping and putting, iron and wood shots in real playing conditions, not only on the practice green and driving range but on the championship course&#8217;s individual holes.

The school is under the direction of Jason Hurd, the Bethel Inn Resort&#8217;s head golf professional, PGA member and recipient of Golf Digest&#8217;s 2003 &#38; 2005 &#8220;Maine Golf Instructor of the Year&#8221; award as well as the &#8220;2006 Maine PGA Teacher of the Year&#8221;.   Says Golf Director Hurd, &#8220; In the past decade we&#8217;ve graduated over 5,000 adults in the Guaranteed Performance School of Golf and we aim to teach over 5,000 youngsters this great game in the decade ahead.&#8221;

The Family Golf School Vacation includes two nights lodging in deluxe accommodations; breakfast, lunch and a four course dinner daily; unlimited golf with carts; daily instruction; club rental for adults and children; use of resort amenities including outdoor pool, tennis court, game room, fitness center and lake house for canoeing and kayaking.  The package is available the Father&#8217;s Day weekend and Sunday through Thursday nights thereafter through August.  The minimum age to participate in golf instruction is 8.   

The Bethel Inn Resort flanks the town common of the historic town of Bethel. Built in 1913, the resort has a main inn with suites, separate guest buildings and condominium accommodations alongside the golf course.  The inn has a formal dining room and casual dining in the Millbrook Tavern, outdoor heated pool and fitness center.  The 18 hole, 6,663 yard championship golf course was expanded and redesigned in 1988 by Geoffrey Cornish. America&#8217;s Greatest Golf Resorts magazine has rated the course among the top 10 in the Northeast.  The golf school is rated among the top schools in New England by Northeast Golf Magazine.

Reservations for the Family Golf School Vacation may be made by phoning 1-800-654-0125 or on line at <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>.  Package rates start at $1499 for a family of four.

###]]></content:encoded>
                        <itunes:author>Brad Jerome</itunes:author>
                        <itunes:subtitle>Family Golf School Vacation in Maine</itunes:subtitle>
                        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[(PRWEB) June 3, 2006 -- The Bethel Inn Resort in Bethel, Maine opens the state&#8217;s only family vacation golf school on Father&#8217;s Day weekend, June 9. Maine golf courses have golf instruction packages for adults, and local club schools and day camps or clinics for kids but no shared program for parents and children. The Bethel Inn Resort, <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>, combines a summer vacation with daily golf instruction for the whole family.    

The Family Golf School Vacation offers three hours daily of instruction in chipping and putting, iron and wood shots in real playing conditions, not only on the practice green and driving range but on the championship course&#8217;s individual holes.

The school is under the direction of Jason Hurd, the Bethel Inn Resort&#8217;s head golf professional, PGA member and recipient of Golf Digest&#8217;s 2003 &#38; 2005 &#8220;Maine Golf Instructor of the Year&#8221; award as well as the &#8220;2006 Maine PGA Teacher of the Year&#8221;.   Says Golf Director Hurd, &#8220; In the past decade we&#8217;ve graduated over 5,000 adults in the Guaranteed Performance School of Golf and we aim to teach over 5,000 youngsters this great game in the decade ahead.&#8221;

The Family Golf School Vacation includes two nights lodging in deluxe accommodations; breakfast, lunch and a four course dinner daily; unlimited golf with carts; daily instruction; club rental for adults and children; use of resort amenities including outdoor pool, tennis court, game room, fitness center and lake house for canoeing and kayaking.  The package is available the Father&#8217;s Day weekend and Sunday through Thursday nights thereafter through August.  The minimum age to participate in golf instruction is 8.   

The Bethel Inn Resort flanks the town common of the historic town of Bethel. Built in 1913, the resort has a main inn with suites, separate guest buildings and condominium accommodations alongside the golf course.  The inn has a formal dining room and casual dining in the Millbrook Tavern, outdoor heated pool and fitness center.  The 18 hole, 6,663 yard championship golf course was expanded and redesigned in 1988 by Geoffrey Cornish. America&#8217;s Greatest Golf Resorts magazine has rated the course among the top 10 in the Northeast.  The golf school is rated among the top schools in New England by Northeast Golf Magazine.

Reservations for the Family Golf School Vacation may be made by phoning 1-800-654-0125 or on line at <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>.  Package rates start at $1499 for a family of four.

###]]></itunes:summary>

                        <itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture">
        <itunes:category text=" Places &amp; Travel" />
          </itunes:category>

                        <itunes:duration>00:15:00</itunes:duration>
                        <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                        <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
                        </item>
<item>
                        <title>Maine Golf Package-Drive from the Ocean to the Lakes to the Mountains</title>
                        <link>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb387731.htm</link>
                        <comments>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb387731.htm</comments>
                        <description>Five day Maine vacation golf package at seaside resort on Casco Bay, inn and golf club overlooking the Belgrade Lakes and reosrt nestled at the base of the Longfellow Mountains in Bethel. [PRWeb May 20, 2006]</description>
                        <guid>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb387731.htm</guid>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2006 15:05:55 -0700</pubDate>
                        <author>podcrew@extrahoop.com</author>
                        <enclosure url="http://prwebpodcast.com/pod/387731/Maine_Golf_Package_Drive_from_the_Ocean_to_the_Lakes_to_the_Mountains.mp3"
                                length="5817888" type="audio/mpeg" />
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[(PRWEB) May 20, 2006 -- Sebasco Harbor Resort on the Phippsburg Peninsula, The Wings Hill Inn in Belgrade Lakes and the Bethel Inn Resort in the Longfellow Range of western Maine have teamed up to offer a 4 night/5 day lodging, dining and golf package.  The package is designed not only for golf enthusiasts but also for couples with a golf widow or widower who would prefer other activities at the resorts and nearby historic communities.  Each resort is a 1 &#189; to 2 hour drive from each location.

The package includes 4 nights lodging, 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners and three rounds of golf with cart, all taxes and gratuities.  It is available Monday through Thursday nights with golf Tuesday through Friday.  The package is offered June through early October.   Guests may choose to drive from the ocean to the lakes to the mountains or in reverse order.
    
The Sebasco Harbor Resort, <a href="http://www.sebasco.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.sebasco.com</a>, located 12 miles south of Bath, spans 575 acres along Casco Bay.  The resort, established in 1930, has a variety of lodging from the main lodge, to lighthouse tower guest rooms to suites and cottages, a restaurant and pub and bowling alley.  The nine-hole, bent grass golf course hugs the rocky coast.  The approach to the 145 yard Par 3 second hole differs from low to high tide and gives a whole new meaning to the classic water hole.  Bath, named one of America&#8217;s Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation is home to the Maine Maritime Museum and many historic ship captains&#8217; homes.
    
The Wings Hill Inn, <a href="http://www.wingshillinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.wingshillinn.com</a>, overlooking Great Pond, whose mail boat was the inspiration for the movie &#8220;On Golden Pond&#8221; is a 19th century restored farm house.  The inn has six rooms and serves a 5-course meal Wednesday through Sunday.  The nearby Belgrade Lakes Golf Club was built in 1999 under the auspices of architect Clive Clark.  It has quickly earned accolades from many golf publications including Golf Digest&#8217;s 5 Star rating in 2002 and one of Golf Magazine&#8217;s 100 greatest courses in 2003.
    
The Bethel Inn Resort, <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>, flanks the town common of the historic town of Bethel.  Built in 1913, the resort has a main inn with suites, separate guest buildings and condominium accommodations alongside the golf course.  The inn has a formal dining room and casual dining in the Millbrook Tavern, outdoor heated pool and fitness center.  The 18 hole 6,663 yard championship golf course was expanded and redesigned in 1988 by Geoffrey Cornish. America&#8217;s Greatest Golf Resorts magazine has rated the course among the top 10 in the Northeast. The golf school is rated among the top schools in New England by Northeast Golf Magazine.  
           
Reservations for the package may be made by phoning any of the resorts and requesting the Ocean, Lakes &#38; Mountains Golf Package.  Package rates start at $755 per person double occupancy including taxes and gratuities.    

Sebasco Harbor Resort  <a href="http://www.sebasco.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.sebasco.com</a>  1-800-225-3819
Wings Hill Inn  <a href="http://www.wingshillinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.wingshillinn.com</a>   1-866-495-2400     
Bethel Inn Resort  <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>  1-800-654-0125

# # #]]></content:encoded>
                        <itunes:author>Wende Gray</itunes:author>
                        <itunes:subtitle>Maine Golf Package-Drive from the Ocean to the Lakes to the Mountains</itunes:subtitle>
                        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[(PRWEB) May 20, 2006 -- Sebasco Harbor Resort on the Phippsburg Peninsula, The Wings Hill Inn in Belgrade Lakes and the Bethel Inn Resort in the Longfellow Range of western Maine have teamed up to offer a 4 night/5 day lodging, dining and golf package.  The package is designed not only for golf enthusiasts but also for couples with a golf widow or widower who would prefer other activities at the resorts and nearby historic communities.  Each resort is a 1 &#189; to 2 hour drive from each location.

The package includes 4 nights lodging, 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners and three rounds of golf with cart, all taxes and gratuities.  It is available Monday through Thursday nights with golf Tuesday through Friday.  The package is offered June through early October.   Guests may choose to drive from the ocean to the lakes to the mountains or in reverse order.
    
The Sebasco Harbor Resort, <a href="http://www.sebasco.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.sebasco.com</a>, located 12 miles south of Bath, spans 575 acres along Casco Bay.  The resort, established in 1930, has a variety of lodging from the main lodge, to lighthouse tower guest rooms to suites and cottages, a restaurant and pub and bowling alley.  The nine-hole, bent grass golf course hugs the rocky coast.  The approach to the 145 yard Par 3 second hole differs from low to high tide and gives a whole new meaning to the classic water hole.  Bath, named one of America&#8217;s Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation is home to the Maine Maritime Museum and many historic ship captains&#8217; homes.
    
The Wings Hill Inn, <a href="http://www.wingshillinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.wingshillinn.com</a>, overlooking Great Pond, whose mail boat was the inspiration for the movie &#8220;On Golden Pond&#8221; is a 19th century restored farm house.  The inn has six rooms and serves a 5-course meal Wednesday through Sunday.  The nearby Belgrade Lakes Golf Club was built in 1999 under the auspices of architect Clive Clark.  It has quickly earned accolades from many golf publications including Golf Digest&#8217;s 5 Star rating in 2002 and one of Golf Magazine&#8217;s 100 greatest courses in 2003.
    
The Bethel Inn Resort, <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>, flanks the town common of the historic town of Bethel.  Built in 1913, the resort has a main inn with suites, separate guest buildings and condominium accommodations alongside the golf course.  The inn has a formal dining room and casual dining in the Millbrook Tavern, outdoor heated pool and fitness center.  The 18 hole 6,663 yard championship golf course was expanded and redesigned in 1988 by Geoffrey Cornish. America&#8217;s Greatest Golf Resorts magazine has rated the course among the top 10 in the Northeast. The golf school is rated among the top schools in New England by Northeast Golf Magazine.  
           
Reservations for the package may be made by phoning any of the resorts and requesting the Ocean, Lakes &#38; Mountains Golf Package.  Package rates start at $755 per person double occupancy including taxes and gratuities.    

Sebasco Harbor Resort  <a href="http://www.sebasco.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.sebasco.com</a>  1-800-225-3819
Wings Hill Inn  <a href="http://www.wingshillinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.wingshillinn.com</a>   1-866-495-2400     
Bethel Inn Resort  <a href="http://www.bethelinn.com" onclick="linkClick( this.href );"  target="_blank">www.bethelinn.com</a>  1-800-654-0125

# # #]]></itunes:summary>

                        <itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture">
        <itunes:category text=" Places &amp; Travel" />
          </itunes:category>

                        <itunes:duration>00:15:00</itunes:duration>
                        <itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit>
                        <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
                        </item>
<item>
                        <title>Maine Rafting Turns 30 - Experiencing Rapid Growth </title>
                        <link>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb373123.htm</link>
                        <comments>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb373123.htm</comments>
                        <description>Maine rafting, a recreation for risk takers in 1976 has grown into a popular activity for youth, families and seniors. Outfitters offer a variety of accommodations and outdoor adventures trips like rock climbing, moose safaris, canoeing, kayaking and wildlife photography. [PRWeb Apr 22, 2006]</description>
                        <guid>http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb373123.htm</guid>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 24 Apr 2006 11:48:35 -0700</pubDate>
                        <author>podcrew@extrahoop.com</author>
                        <enclosure url="http://prwebpodcast.com/pod/373123/Maine_Rafting_Turns_Experiencing_Rapid_Growth_.mp3"
                                length="8124454" type="audio/mpeg" />
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[(PRWEB) April 19, 2006 -- In 1976, six hundred brave souls rafted the whitewater rapids of the upper Kennebec River to its confluence with the Dead River. Two hundred years earlier in 1775, another group of intrepid warriors under the leadership of Benedict Arnold, branched off the Kennebec and paddled up the Dead River in a fateful attempt to capture Quebec.  The two parties had something in common.  They were both primarily adult young men venturing into the unknown on an expedition that could not be characterized as enjoyable.


    
Thirty years after the first rafters descended the Kennebec Gorge, the demographics and the experience have changed.
    
Adventure travel has shown explosive growth over the past decade.  The Travel Industry Association reports that American travelers want their vacations to be more thrilling. They are looking for new ways to challenge themselves, to push their physical energies to the edge and face nature at its boldest moments.  At the same time, travelers want a wilderness experience on comfortable terms with the lodging and dining values of urban America.
    
Technological improvements in equipment and operations, the development of a lodging and dining infrastructure and the creation of varied outdoor adventure programs have resulted in a rafting industry that annually hosts over 75, 000 rafters and an equal number of visitors participating in year-round outdoor recreational activities.
    
Self-bailing rafts, Type V personal flotation devices and high-tech fabric wet suits and spray jackets are all standards in the industry.  Maine&#8217;s whitewater boating regulations, administered by the state&#8217;s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, are some of the strictest in the nation. The number of rafters is limited daily to protect the environmental quality of the wilderness rivers.
    
In 1976 the only option was primitive camping with a meal cooked over the open fire. Since 2000, outfitters have invested in excess of 5.5 million dollars in their resort facilities. Outfitters offer modern cabins and cottages with full kitchens, lodge rooms with private baths, suites with in-room Jacuzzis and primitive camping has been upgraded to platform tents with cots and bedding. Resort facilities include full service restaurants, pubs, hot tubs, outdoor pools, saunas, volleyball courts and climbing walls. One outfitter is home to a micro-brewery.
    
Outfitters offer river trips for youngsters to seniors.  A full river trip includes Class III-V rapids, a lower river trip Class II rapids, and a float trip gentle current.  No paddling is necessary on a row-frame trip as the guide does all the rowing. Guided outdoor activities include kayaking (inflatable, whitewater and lake), canoeing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, ropes courses, moose and wildlife watching, bird watching, 12 person canoe trips, ATV tours, pontoon boat trips, paint ball, float plane trips and sky-diving.  In the fall and winter, outdoor activities include hunting, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snow-shoeing. Resorts offer group programs for youth, corporate training, bachelor and bachelorette parties and weddings.
    
Adventure resort guests range in age from 7 to 75, are split evenly between male and female and include families, empty-nesters and groups. Maine&#8217;s rafting market is global. Last season, vacationers from the United Kingdom, France Germany, Spain, Israel and Korea rafted Maine&#8217;s rivers.
    
Maine&#8217;s rafting industry has become a vital component of the state&#8217;s tourism industry.  Whitewater rafting is the sixth most requested outdoor activity of those planning trips to Maine, behind... To read the press release in full goto http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb373123.htm]]></content:encoded>
                        <itunes:author>Wende Gray</itunes:author>
                        <itunes:subtitle>Maine Rafting Turns 30 - Experiencing Rapid Growth </itunes:subtitle>
                        <itunes:summary><![CDATA[(PRWEB) April 19, 2006 -- In 1976, six hundred brave souls rafted the whitewater rapids of the upper Kennebec River to its confluence with the Dead River. Two hundred years earlier in 1775, another group of intrepid warriors under the leadership of Benedict Arnold, branched off the Kennebec and paddled up the Dead River in a fateful attempt to capture Quebec.  The two parties had something in common.  They were both primarily adult young men venturing into the unknown on an expedition that could not be characterized as enjoyable.


    
Thirty years after the first rafters descended the Kennebec Gorge, the demographics and the experience have changed.
    
Adventure travel has shown explosive growth over the past decade.  The Travel Industry Association reports that American travelers want their vacations to be more thrilling. They are looking for new ways to challenge themselves, to push their physical energies to the edge and face nature at its boldest moments.  At the same time, travelers want a wilderness experience on comfortable terms with the lodging and dining values of urban America.
    
Technological improvements in equipment and operations, the development of a lodging and dining infrastructure and the creation of varied outdoor adventure programs have resulted in a rafting industry that annually hosts over 75, 000 rafters and an equal number of visitors participating in year-round outdoor recreational activities.
    
Self-bailing rafts, Type V personal flotation devices and high-tech fabric wet suits and spray jackets are all standards in the industry.  Maine&#8217;s whitewater boating regulations, administered by the state&#8217;s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, are some of the strictest in the nation. The number of rafters is limited daily to protect the environmental quality of the wilderness rivers.
    
In 1976 the only option was primitive camping with a meal cooked over the open fire. Since 2000, outfitters have invested in excess of 5.5 million dollars in their resort facilities. Outfitters offer modern cabins and cottages with full kitchens, lodge rooms with private baths, suites with in-room Jacuzzis and primitive camping has been upgraded to platform tents with cots and bedding. Resort facilities include full service restaurants, pubs, hot tubs, outdoor pools, saunas, volleyball courts and climbing walls. One outfitter is home to a micro-brewery.
    
Outfitters offer river trips for youngsters to seniors.  A full river trip includes Class III-V rapids, a lower river trip Class II rapids, and a float trip gentle current.  No paddling is necessary on a row-frame trip as the guide does all the rowing. Guided outdoor activities include kayaking (inflatable, whitewater and lake), canoeing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, ropes courses, moose and wildlife watching, bird watching, 12 person canoe trips, ATV tours, pontoon boat trips, paint ball, float plane trips and sky-diving.  In the fall and winter, outdoor activities include hunting, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snow-shoeing. Resorts offer group programs for youth, corporate training, bachelor and bachelorette parties and weddings.
    
Adventure resort guests range in age from 7 to 75, are split evenly between male and female and include families, empty-nesters and groups. Maine&#8217;s rafting market is global. Last season, vacationers from the United Kingdom, France Germany, Spain, Israel and Korea rafted Maine&#8217;s rivers.
    
Maine&#8217;s rafting industry has become a vital component of the state&#8217;s tourism industry.  Whitewater rafting is the sixth most requested outdoor activity of those planning trips to Maine, behind... To read the press release in full goto http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb373123.htm]]></itunes:summary>

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