On Saturday, 25 July 2026, the area around the Babič Mill in Veržej became a lively meeting point for local residents, visitors, cultural performers, local producers and project partners. The Summer Games at the Babič Mill combined an entertaining programme by the Mura River with a public presentation of the From Mill to Mill project and the cross-border museum network of mills in Slovenia and Hungary.

The event opened with a fair of local producers and service providers and an information stand where visitors could learn more about the project through brochures and other materials. Karmen Babič, owner of the Babič Mill and host of the event, and Simon Balažic, president of the Association of Distributed Mill Museums of Slovenia and Hungary, welcomed the participants. A representative of the project partnership then presented the goals of From Mill to Mill, the cooperation between the partners and the importance of preserving and promoting mill heritage on both sides of the border.

The games brought plenty of movement and team spirit. Participants tested their skills on an obstacle course, assembled boats, rowed across the Mura River and took part in a water-splashing challenge. The varied programme was complemented by performances by Duo Mystica, Miha Balažič, Matjaž Ograjenšek, Künštni Prleki and the Apače Folklore Group. The combination of games, music, folklore and local products created an opportunity for relaxed socialising and for experiencing the Babič Mill as a living part of the local environment.

The event also highlighted that mill heritage is not only a reminder of the past. It can provide a basis for new cultural and tourism experiences and for cooperation between local stakeholders in tourism, culture and regional development. By bringing different generations together at one of Pomurje’s most recognisable heritage sites, the event helped make the stories of mills accessible in a direct and engaging way.

The From Mill to Mill project connects 13 mills and their stories across the project area stretching from Szombathely to Pohorje. Through cross-border cooperation, the partners are increasing the visibility of mill heritage, connecting local communities and developing shared cultural and tourism content for residents and visitors. The Summer Games in Veržej showed how heritage remains alive when people can experience it, understand it and pass it on.

Photos by BABIČEV MLIN