In Astoria, Oregon, a couple's love for nomadic camping and reggae music has turned their personal struggles into a vibrant community event. Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, both in their mid-40s, have been avid attendees of van-centric music events for over a decade. Their journey from enthusiastic participants to event organizers is a testament to their resilience and passion.
The couple, who work full-time in apparel design and construction, respectively, in Beaverton, Oregon, have co-organized Rigs and Reggae, an event that celebrates van, camping culture, and reggae music. The event took place at Pier 39 from August 27 to 30, marking the third year of the festival, which was previously held in Toledo, Oregon.
The inspiration behind their transition from attendees to organizers came from a deeply personal place. Perales, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the beginning of the pandemic, faced a harrowing battle with illness. "It was death," Perales recalls. "I was dying of a brain tumor."
Despite the diagnosis, Perales remained determined to live life to the fullest. "I could have easily died," he said. It was during this time that the couple's hobby of car camping and attending events became a source of distraction and hope. "I told myself if we make it out of this, I'm going to buy a van," Perales said.
After undergoing surgery to remove the tumor, Perales spent years in recovery, rehabilitating his body and learning to walk and use his arm again. "Finally, my doctor said 'okay you can go back to work,' " Perales said. "I went back to work and I worked really hard and I bought my van like I said I was going to."
Their hobby evolved from car camping to rooftop tents and eventually to a "Storyteller" adventure and camper van, manufactured by Storyteller Overland in Birmingham, Alabama. Alongside their two mini Australian shepherds, Max and Maisie, they began attending van events in their new rig.
However, their journey was not without setbacks. During one of Perales' check-ups, doctors discovered another brain tumor. "I had a second brain surgery in December," Perales said. The couple decided to put the Rigs and Reggae event on hold, but that was not the end of their story.
During their second post-surgery period, the couple attended the Adventure Van Expo. It was there that the owners of Pier 39 approached them with an opportunity to bring the Rigs and Reggae event to Astoria. "I looked at Christine and I said okay let's do this, let's do it in August," Perales said. "It was in 30 days and the clock started ticking."
Planning the third year of Rigs and Reggae in a new location after Perales' second craniotomy was challenging, but Perales is grateful for the experience. "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. "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."
Perales' appreciation for life has deepened through his experiences. "I just have such a more appreciation for the smaller things now," he said. "You know what I mean?"
The Rigs and Reggae event is more than just a celebration of music and camping; it's a story of resilience, love, and the power of community. For Coleman and Perales, it's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, their passion for life and their shared love for van culture and reggae music can bring people together and create something truly special.
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