In Astoria, Oregon, the annual Rigs and Reggae festival is more than just a celebration of van culture and reggae music; it's a testament to the resilience and love of a couple who turned their passion into a reality. Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, in their mid-40s, have been organizing the event for three years, an endeavor that began with their own nomadic camping adventures and a shared desire to bring the joy of music and travel to others.
For a decade, the couple had been regular attendees at van and music festivals, accumulating a list of over 100 events they've enjoyed together. Their love for adventure led them to start their own company, Pino's Adventures, and organize the Rigs and Reggae event, which they initially held in Toledo, Oregon. This year, the festival made its way to Astoria, drawing a crowd that shared their passion for music, travel, and the van life.
The motivation behind their leap from attendees to organizers, however, is a deeply personal one. Perales, who works in apparel design and construction, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the beginning of the pandemic. The diagnosis was a shock, and Perales recalls feeling on the brink of death. "I could have easily died," he said. It was during this difficult time that he made a promise to himself and his partner: "If we make it out of this, I'm going to buy a van."
After undergoing surgery to remove the tumor and spending years in recovery, Perales fulfilled his promise, purchasing a "Storyteller" van and embarking on new adventures. But fate had other plans. During one of his check-ups, doctors discovered another brain tumor. Despite the setback, Perales approached the situation with the same determination he had during his first diagnosis. "Let's just go in there and get it out," he said.
The couple's commitment to the Rigs and Reggae event was tested once again. "We had done this event for two years in Toledo and then we said 'okay we're gonna take a break 'cause he's having this craniotomy in December," said Coleman. But their determination to continue was unwavering. Perales, with a new appreciation for life's smaller pleasures, pushed forward with the event. "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," he said.
The third year of Rigs and Reggae in Astoria was a testament to the couple's resilience and the support of the community. "I'm so glad to be here now," said Perales. "I just have such a more appreciation for the smaller things now … you know what I mean?"
The festival itself is a vibrant celebration of van life, camping culture, and reggae music. Attendees gather at Pier 39 to enjoy live performances, camp out, and share stories. For the organizers, it's a chance to create a space where people can connect over shared interests and experiences. "It's a community," said Coleman. "It's a family."
The story of Christine and Peter Perales is one of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of adventure. Their journey from attendees to organizers of the Rigs and Reggae festival is a powerful reminder of the strength that can be found in adversity and the joy that comes from pursuing one's passions. In Astoria, Oregon, their story is celebrated, and the festival they created continues to inspire and bring people together.
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