Hometown Madison - March & April 2016

Ben Blaine, clubhouse manager and marketing director for Providence Hill,
explained that the club hosts a series of events throughout the year for members.
“There’s the Taste of Game event, with an afternoon shoot. We bring in a chef,
and afterwards, a meal is prepared with wild game served in some shape, form or
fashion. We also have the Gun & Grub event, which is more casual. That event
includes a shoot and a catered meal. Furs & Feathers is our big Christmas party,
and we bring in vendors with all sorts of things for folks to do some Christmas
shopping. And several times a year we do camaraderie shoots for our members,
where losers buy the winner’s supper.”
Another activity at the farm is archery. “We have a new 3-D archery range,”
said Blaine. “Jackson Prep has an archery team that practices and competes here.”
Fly fishing is one of the newest additions to the lineup of activities at Providence
Hill. Christopher Haddad is the fly fishing specialist and teaches private lessons
and leads fishing expeditions to Arkansas and other popular fly fishing
destinations. “We have students from Jackson Prep and Mississippi College who
fly fish here,” said Haddad. “Mississippi College recently added fly fishing as a
physical education option. I think that’s a great idea, because fly fishing has
become the new golf. Many companies now offer fly fishing as an outing during
their conferences. It’s a great way to bond with others, and it’s something people
can enjoy throughout their lives.”
Blaine said that as the membership grows, the barn area near the back of the
property will be expanded to include a clubhouse lounge. Already it features a
shop with apparel from Circle 7 in Madison, as well as shooting attire and
accessories, and a complete line of fly fishing lures and equipment. “We’ll also
add more lodging as our membership grows, as well as meeting rooms and a
conference room.”
In addition to equestrian, shooting, fishing and archery, Providence Hill Farm
has become a sought-after destination for weddings and receptions. The property
makes a beautiful setting for rehearsal dinners and pre-wedding entertainment,
and groomsmen, family and friends can be entertained on the clay range.
Beautifully decorated suites situated above the stables are ideal for wedding
parties to relax and get ready for the ceremony. The lakeside pavilion or the
luxurious stables are both beautiful venues for receptions.
“We do lots of weddings here,” said Blaine. “We also have a lot of organizations
who use us for fundraising events. We like to say that Providence Hill Farm is a
place of no boundaries. Our motto is ‘Exceptional Experience, Always” and we
strive to provide just that.
Martin said she’s thrilled with the partnerships the farm has with area schools.
“We’ve only just started. I hope we get more schools on board that will bring
their students out here to learn more about these sports and enjoy this place.”
For more information on Providence Hill Farm Sporting Club, visit www.providencehillfarm.com.
Hometown madison • 37