Holyrood’s new Recreation Director all primed for town’s winter festival

By Mark Squibb

Before he even had a chance to break in his office chair, Holyrood’s new Recreation Director Kyle Hawco was busy preparing for one of the town’s biggest annual events – the Crystal Carnival winter festival.
Hawco began work the second week of January, just about a month before the commencement of the Crystal Carnival.
“It’s been busy for sure,” Hawco said, laughing. “So, when I first started, that first week was dedicated to planning and booking events. With recreation, you always try to be a full season ahead, so the deadlines were tight, but we’ve managed to get as many family-oriented events as possible into that five-day festival.”
Hawco was hired on a six-month contract to replace outgoing director Steve Martin, who has accepted a position with Recreation NL. The position may become permanent should Martin decide not to return.
A hiring committee recommended Hawco for the position above 20 other applicants, and council voted to hire him in early January.
The position is not Hawco’s first with the Town. He worked as a camp counselor on a seasonal basis back in 2013, and later worked alongside outgoing director Steve Martin as a recreation coordinator.
“I felt my previous experience with the Town, and having worked so closely with the outgoing director, would allow me to provide a seamless transition into the role,” said Hawco.
He’s looking forward to planning and implementing the many established events and programs in Holyrood, and even trying some new things to see if they stick.
“With the position, you have the freedom to and flexibility to try things that have never been done before and see how that works,” said Hawco.
Born and bred in Holyrood, Hawco, who lives in the town with girlfriend Katelyn and dog Dory, is also an active volunteer firefighter. He joined the department in 2017 and in 2022 was named Fire Officer of the Year.