Astoria, Ore. — The waterfront of Pier 39 in Astoria played host to a vibrant four-day event, "Rigs and Reggae," which brought together a diverse group of van enthusiasts and reggae music lovers. The event, co-hosted by Pino's Adventures and founded by Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, was a celebration of a nomadic lifestyle that combines adventure with the rhythm of reggae music.
Held from August 27 to August 30, the event drew approximately 100 campers who set up their vans and tents along the waterfront. The event was a blend of music and camping, with a variety of food and drink options provided by local businesses surrounding the pier.
The van community, known for its tight-knit group and nomadic spirit, was well-represented at the event. Many van enthusiasts, like Coleman and Perales, maintain full-time jobs while using their time off to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. They travel in their Storyteller Overland vans, seeking freedom and fun on the road.
One such enthusiast, Babba Gi, a 75-year-old from Ealing, London, has spent the past 10 years living in his Sprinter van, which he considers the best vehicle for the price and his preference for Mercedes. Gi's choice of transportation and residence reflects his adventurous spirit, and he enjoys small gatherings like Rigs and Reggae, which attract about 50 to 100 vans.
Gi's journey from London to Astoria's Pier 39 is a testament to the appeal of the nomadic lifestyle. "I've spent 10 years living in this van," he said, referring to his Sprinter. His choice of vehicle was influenced by its affordability and the brand's appeal.
The event, now in its third year, was originally held in Toledo, Oregon, before being brought to Astoria. Organizers Coleman and Perales have been attending van-centric events for a decade and decided to create their own gathering. They began setting up the camp area and main stage on Wednesday, with the event officially kicking off on Thursday.
As attendees began trickling in through the front gate at the dock, a shuttle service was provided to transport groups of people to the music stage. Around 12 volunteers contributed to the success of the event, ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
The event attracted a wide range of participants, from their 20s to 70s and beyond. Coleman described the attendees as "just enjoying life, you know, going out in natural places, seeing nature, just, you know, enjoying seeing places."
Perales highlighted the inclusive nature of the van community, noting that the event provided a sense of safety and support for single females. "This is our community, and you know we want to show people that if you have a van, there are safe places to go, organized events," he said. "In our community, there's a lot of single females and they feel a comfort and support being able to attend an event like this — and they're gonna feel safe."
The camaraderie and community feeling were at the heart of the event, with attendees forming fast friendships, both with each other and their dogs. The event was a celebration of life, adventure, and the spirit of reggae music, all under the backdrop of Astoria's scenic waterfront.
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