Julie McNeely-Heath
Julie was born and raised in a small-town east of Ottawa, Julie settled in the Orangeville area over 15 years ago with her husband James. Julie has a passion for sports, especially when it comes to ringette and skiing, and tries to share that passion with her three girls Emma, Abbey and Finley. With more than 15 years of service in emergency communications with the Canadian Coast Guard, Ambulance and the Fire Department, Julie has now transitioned to her dream career as a firefighter. Julie loves the magic of the Holiday season which made joining Melissa to create the Orangeville Christmas Market the perfect opportunity to give back to the community she loves.
Melissa Lackey
Melissa was born and raised in Orangeville, Ontario. She spent many years figure skating, downhill skiing, playing baseball and women’s field lacrosse. Melissa retired her skates to play lacrosse at university in Niagara. After a degree, a diploma and a few certificates Melissa would return to Dufferin County to get married and have her son, Logan. Melissa and her husband are local small business owners. She has a passion for her community and supporting local causes which stems from being a fourth generation “Orangevillian”. Her love of event/party planning along with supporting local was the perfect fit to start the Orangeville Christmas Market with her friend Julie. They eventually convinced James to join their weekly breakfast meetings and the rest is history!
James Heath
James was born and raised in Orangeville Ontario. With his parents and two sisters he spent his youth skiing in the Hockley Valley and boating on Georgian Bay. With a keen interest in the outdoors and a desire to serve Canadians, he pursued a career with the Canadian Coast Guard and served for over 16 years as a sea-going Marine Engineering Officer. James has since come ashore and now answers the call as a professional firefighter for one of Canada’s largest fire departments. He is a father to three amazing daughters Emma, Abbey and Finley. James still calls Dufferin County home where he runs a modest rural YouTube channel, “Killing It Country”. With his wife Julie and long-time friend Melissa, James is proud to be a part of the Orangeville Christmas Market team!
