In the coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, a unique festival has been making waves, celebrating both van culture and reggae music. The Rigs and Reggae event, organized by Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, has become a beloved gathering spot for enthusiasts from across the region. The story behind the festival's creation is one of resilience and passion, interwoven with the couple's personal journey through adversity.
For over a decade, Coleman and Perales, both in their mid-40s, have been avid participants in the nomadic camping and music scene. They have attended numerous concerts and festivals, with Coleman estimating that they have been to over 100 such events. Their love for the outdoors and music led them to co-found Pino's Adventures, a company that would eventually bring the Rigs and Reggae event to life.
The couple's journey to becoming organizers of the event is a testament to their perseverance. Perales, an apparel designer and construction worker, faced a life-threatening challenge when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the beginning of the pandemic. Despite feeling ill, they continued to enjoy their hobby, unaware of the severity of Perales' condition.
"After Perales began feeling ill, we couldn't figure out what was wrong," said Coleman. "He was staying in the hospital, and I was trying to distract myself. I told myself if we make it out of this, I'm going to buy a van."
Seven months later, Perales underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The recovery process was long and arduous, requiring rehab and learning to walk and use his arm again. It was during this time that the couple's passion for van culture and music became the foundation for their new venture.
After Perales' recovery, they purchased a "Storyteller" adventure and camper van, made by Storyteller Overland in Birmingham, Alabama. They began attending van events with their two mini Australian shepherds, Max and Maisie, and their love for the lifestyle only grew stronger.
However, their journey was not without setbacks. During one of Perales' check-ups, doctors discovered another brain tumor. This time, the couple faced the daunting task of planning the Rigs and Reggae event while dealing with Perales' second craniotomy.
"We had done this event for two years in Toledo and then we said, 'Okay, we're gonna take a break because he's having this craniotomy in December,'" said Coleman.
Despite the challenges, the couple's determination to bring the event to Astoria remained unwavering. They attended the Adventure Van Expo, where the owners of Pier 39 saw them and expressed interest in hosting the event in Astoria.
"It was in 30 days and the clock started ticking," said Perales. "We were going to take a year off because of my surgery, but I mean, I feel recovered. I'm fully back to work. We're like, sure, we're ready. So we had 30 days to put this together."
The third year of Rigs and Reggae in Astoria was a success, thanks to the couple's unwavering commitment. Perales expressed his gratitude for the experience, saying, "I've already had one (craniotomy) so when they found the second (tumor), I'm like, let's just go in there and get it out. And it was good because my doctor said it was small enough and had not attached to brain tissue yet, so it was amazing. I'm so glad to be here now."
The Rigs and Reggae festival is more than just a celebration of van culture and reggae music; it is a story of resilience and the power of passion. Coleman and Perales have shown that even in the face of adversity, one can find the strength to pursue one's dreams and create something truly special.
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