All types of homemade salsa are eligible for entry in the Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge 2009 at the 16th annual Oxnard Salsa Festival on Sun., July 26.

Amateur salsa makers may compete in six categories: Best Red, Best Green, Best Fruit, Best Hot, Best Medium and Best Mild.

The Judge's Choice winner will receive top honors and a $150 grand prize.

Preregistration is required for all contestants. The $25 entry fee includes an official festival T-shirt.

Entries for the amateur contest are due by July 15.

A professional salsa contest will offer awards in eight categories.

Entry forms for both contests are available online at www .oxnardsalsafestival.com.

The festival on July 25 and 26 will have Latin jazz bands, spicy food vendors, salsas to sample and buy, two beer gardens, tortilla art in the Kids' Korner and a vendor marketplace.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.

Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call the Oxnard Downtowners at (805) 247-0197 or visit the website www.oxnardsalsafestival.com.