Admission and entry is free. Entries will be accepted until Sept. 4 at The Hawaiian Ukulele Company, located on the first floor of Aloha Tower Marketplace.

The event will feature amateur ukulele players (defined as those who do not play the ukulele for a living) vying for thousands of dollars in prizes and the chance to be a representative of the 2008 Aloha Festivals.

Entry forms are available at Aloha Tower Marketplace or online at www.alohatower.com/documents/ApplicationForm-final_001.pdf.

"This event will celebrate the role of the ukulele in Hawai'i's culture, which is why we are excited to have this tradition with the 61st anniversary of the Aloha Festivals," said The Hawaiian Ukulele Company owner Calvin Nelson, whose business began as a kiosk at Aloha Tower Marketplace and has flourished over the years to the ukulele-lined store that now stands in the mall.

The Ukulele Contest, in addition to showcasing some of Hawai'i's best amateur ukulele musicians, will include appearances by TJ Mayeshiro (last year's winner), Chris Kamaka, Brian Tolentino and more; ukulele displays by popular ukulele brands including Kamaka, Leolani and KoAloha; and door prizes for the audience.

For more information, call 566-2337 or visit www.alohatower.com.