A dedication ceremony took place Thursday for the new pavilion at Ford Addition Park. From left are City Manager Mike Stelmaszek, holding one end of the ribbon; Teresa Fornetti; Emma and George Fornetti; Dan Fornetti; City Mayor Joe Groeneveld; council members Michael Flaminio and Daniel Freeman; and administrative assistant Jennifer Castro. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

KINGSFORD — The city Thursday formally dedicated the new pavilion at Ford Addition Park that was funded through donations by Kingsford natives who star in the television series “The Curse of Oak Island.”

Rick and Marty Lagina each contributed $50,000 during the Kingsford Centennial celebration in 2023 to establish the park pavilion in memory of their parents, George and Ann. All had lived in the Ford Addition.

While the brothers were unable to attend Thursday’s ceremony, their sister, Terese Fornetti, and her son and grandchildren were on hand to represent the family, which also includes sister Marianne.

Mayor Joseph Groeneveld welcomed the crowd, which had many current and former residents of the neighborhood.

“Let’s come together to mark this special moment with gratitude, celebration and a shared sense of pride in what community spirit can accomplish,” Groeneveld said.

Teresa said it was great growing up in the neighborhood. “It warms your heart to see all the people who came out for the dedication and that’s what neighborhoods are about,” she said.

“I want to thank everyone for coming and I want everyone to enjoy this beautiful pavilion. I want to thank the Lagina family, Rick and Marty, for their generous donation for this addition to the park system. On behalf of the centennial committee, we welcome you all,” said council member Dennis Baldinelli, representing the centennial committee.

“The Curse of Oak Island” has been on the History Channel since 2014 and chronicles a team of treasure hunters run by the Laginas as they search for a legendary treasure on the island off Nova Scotia.

In a nod to the show, money left from the pavilion construction will be used for pirate-themed playground equipment for the park.

Groeneveld also made mention of the Ford Addition neighborhood parade, now in its 66th year, that was to step off after the dedication and end up back at the new pavilion.

“And now we turn to a tradition that has brought joy, laughter, a whole lot of red, white and blue to our streets for 66 years — the Ford Addition kids’ parade.”

“What began in 1959 with newspaper hats, decorated bikes and a mother’s love, has grown into a cherished celebration of community, creativity and childhood. We honor the legacy of Gloria Boyce and Ann Lagina tonight, and we thank Tina Dillman for continuing to share the story that started it all.”

He also thanked Ashley Peterson, who organized the parade this year.

“To all the kids ready to ride, march and smile — this is your moment. This is your tradition now,” he said.

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.