ATTLEBORO - The Nov. 6 city election moves into the homestretch in the week ahead with two major forums.

The first will be held Tuesday at Attleboro City Hall when The Sun Chronicle hosts a debate among candidates for citywide offices.

Contenders for at-large city councilor, city clerk and mayor will face questions from Sun Chronicle reporters, then quiz each other in what is expected to be a two-hour forum. Voters are invited to attend or they can watch on cable Channel 15.

The debate itself begins at 7 p.m., but The Sun Chronicle invites residents to attend early for some old-fashioned political entertainment. The Dixie Diehards Dixieland Band, featuring veteran Sun Chronicle journalist Rick Foster, will perform New Orleans-style jazz, political and patriotic tunes beginning at 5:45 p.m. The Diehards plan to deliver a brassy musical tribute to America, with songs such as "Chicago" and "Georgia On My Mind" as well as such historic tunes as "Battle Hymn of The Republic" and "Happy Days Are Here Again" closely tied to the nation's political tradition.

Radio and cable TV newsman Peter Gay of Attleboro will serve as moderator. The city Democratic and Republican committees are assisting The Sun Chronicle in putting on the debate. Congregation Agudas Achim will hold its traditional forum for candidates in the city election at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Organizer Max Volterra said the rally will include two-minute speeches from candidates in contested races. The two mayoral candidates, incumbent Kevin Dumas and challenger John Davis, also will be given an opportunity to ask each other questions, he said.

The event at the congregation is the most informal of candidate forums as beer, wine and hot dogs will be served.