Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, a couple in their mid-40s, have turned their love for nomadic camping and van-centric music events into a successful festival, Rigs and Reggae. Celebrating its third year, the event brought together enthusiasts of van and camping culture, along with reggae music lovers, at Pier 39 in Astoria, Oregon. Despite personal challenges, the couple's dedication to their hobby has made a significant impact on the local community.
For a decade, Coleman and Perales have attended numerous concerts and festivals, with Coleman estimating they've been to over 100. Their journey from attendees to organizers began with a life-threatening experience for Perales. "It was death," Perales admitted. "I was dying of a brain tumor."
Perales's diagnosis came at the onset of the pandemic, and he fought a fierce battle against the illness. It was during this difficult time that he and Coleman decided to make a significant change. "I got sick, real sick," Perales recounted. "I was trying to distract myself because we didn't have an answer yet. I told myself if we make it out of this, I'm going to buy a van."
After successfully undergoing surgery to remove the tumor, Perales embarked on a journey of recovery, learning to walk and regain use of his arm. It was during this period that they purchased a "Storyteller" van, manufactured by Storyteller Overland, a company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Equipped with their two mini Australian shepherds, Max and Maisie, they began attending van events and discovered their passion for organizing such gatherings.
However, their plans took a turn when Perales was diagnosed with a second brain tumor. "I had a second brain surgery in December," he said. The event, which had been held in Toledo, Oregon, for the first two years, was put on hold. "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," Coleman explained.
Undeterred by the setback, the couple found a new opportunity to host Rigs and Reggae in Astoria. "These van events happen a lot in the summertime," Coleman said. "So we went to one of them, and the owners of Pier 39 saw us there and they said we'd love to have (the Riggs and Reggae event) here in Astoria."
The third year of Rigs and Reggae in Astoria was a testament to the couple's resilience and determination. Planning the event with just 30 days to spare was no small feat, but Perales felt ready to take on the challenge. "We were going to take a year off because of my surgery," he said, "but I mean, I feel recovered. I'm fully back to work. We're like, sure, we're ready."
The festival itself was a vibrant celebration of van and camping culture, along with reggae music. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including live music performances, workshops, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. "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," Perales said. "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."
For Perales, the festival serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating life's smaller joys. "I just have such a more appreciation for the smaller things now," he said. "You know what I mean?"
The couple's story is one of perseverance and hope, a shining example of how dedication and love for a hobby can overcome even the most challenging circumstances. Rigs and Reggae has become more than just a festival; it's a symbol of resilience and the power of community.
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