MILWAUKEE — Each year, families from all over Wisconsin travel to Milwaukee County for the Wisconsin State Fair. Same for many in surrounding states like Illinois and Minnesota, but the Covich family traveled even farther.

“All the way from down to the bottom of the world, New Zealand,” said Mike Covich.

Mike Covich and his family have made their way through Wisconsin and had to stop at the fair.

“We love it,” said Covich. “The Dells. We’ve been to the Dells. First state fair I’ve ever been to. So far, so good. Just the countryside and everything is beautiful. The cheese. How could I forget the cheese?”

He said they were excited to try all the fair food.

“We’re big foodies,” said Covich. “So we came here more for the food than the rides. So we’re going to try out as much as we can and take a few ideas home because we’re in the food industry as well.” 

While the fair has been an exciting part of their trip, the Covich’s traveled to Wisconsin to visit family.

“So my father-and-law here has come home to see all of his family and everything,” said Covich. “Sort of make our last road trip up this way. He wanted to come with his family and grandchildren.”

David Coon is from Barron, Wis., and hasn’t been back home in decades after he moved to New Zealand.

“I got a job on a cruise ship,” said Coon. “We went all the way to New Zealand three times. On the second time I met a young blonde girl on the bus.”

He remembers visiting the state fair as a kid and said it was much smaller then.

“I thought I might be able to meet somebody I know,” said Coon. “It’s too big now.”

He’s happy to show his family around his home state. After the fair, their plan is to go to a baseball game.

“Brewer’s game,” said Covich. “We’re a big baseball family. My young boy here plays for Little League New Zealand National Team.”

Covich said Wisconsin has welcomed their family with open arms, and they feel at home. All were happy they were able to attend the statewide celebration at the fair.