The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is hoping to march this weekend without Rob Ford. The Mayor's been looking forward to this weekend's annual festivities, but it looks like Santa would rather the (naughty?) mayor keep his distance. As Ford admits to not only smoking but buying illegal drugs and hundreds of protesters call for his resignation outside City Hall, the organizers of the parade, one of Toronto's cuddliest events, are giving Ford the cold shoulder.

This doesn't mean we won't see the Mayor tossing candy on Sunday - organizers admit they have no power to prevent Rob Ford from marching. The letter, addressed to the Mayor's chief of staff today, reads in part "while the Mayor has no official capacity in the parade, as Mayor he has every right to walk ahead of the Parade." The plea goes on to state that they hope Ford will do the right thing and attend the parade as a spectator to "avoid this distraction and put the focus back on Santa and Mrs. Claus."

The full text of the letter to the Mayor's office is below.

Will Rob Ford listen to Santa Claus? Leave your predictions in the comments.

The 109th annual Santa Claus Parade takes place this Sunday. The parade begins at 12:30pm at Bloor & Christie.

MORE FORD STORIES FROM TODAY:

• Rob Ford admits to buying illegal drugs
• Hundreds call on Rob Ford to resign outside City Hall
  

Photo by Henry Chan