Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, both in their mid-40s, have been lifelong enthusiasts of van-centric music events. Over a decade, they've attended numerous concerts and festivals, tallying well over 100 experiences. However, their journey from avid attendees to dedicated organizers is one that's steeped in resilience and the pursuit of joy.
The couple, who reside in Beaverton, Oregon, where they work in apparel design and construction respectively, were instrumental in the planning of "Rigs and Reggae," a celebration of van, camping culture, and reggae music. The event, held at Pier 39 in Astoria from August 27 to 30, marked their transition from fans to influencers in the music festival community.
Their transformation from participants to producers began with personal trials and triumphs. It was during a period of significant personal struggle that the pair's dedication to the van lifestyle became more than just a hobby—it became a source of hope and recovery. Perales, diagnosed with a brain tumor early in the pandemic, was at a crossroads in his life.
"Death was staring us in the face," Perales recalls. The initial uncertainty about his illness led him to seek distraction and hope, culminating in a promise to himself and his partner. "If we make it out of this, I'm going to buy a van," he said. Seven months later, after the tumor was successfully removed, Perales kept his promise and bought a van, a "Storyteller" by Storyteller Overland, a brand rooted in Birmingham, Alabama.
Their nomadic lifestyle continued to flourish as they began attending van events across the country. However, the journey was not without setbacks. In December, Perales faced another craniotomy after a second tumor was detected. This second battle led them to take a break from organizing the event they had hosted in Toledo for the past two years.
Yet, resilience is what drives them. When they learned about the Adventure Van Expo, and the owners of Pier 39 expressed interest in hosting the "Rigs and Reggae" event in Astoria, Perales felt it was time to press on. Despite only having 30 days to prepare for the event, they jumped at the chance, pushing the event's third iteration forward in the new location.
The planning process was fraught with challenges, particularly after Perales' second surgery. "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.
But their dedication to the event and each other propelled them through the trials. Perales expressed gratitude for the journey. "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," he said.
Their appreciation for life has deepened through their experiences. "I just have such a more appreciation for the smaller things now... you know what I mean?" Perales pondered. The "Rigs and Reggae" event, in its third year and a new location, serves as a testament to their perseverance and love for the nomadic life and the music they hold dear.
As they continue to navigate the complexities of life, the couple finds solace and joy in their shared passions and the vibrant community that supports them. The success of the "Rigs and Reggae" event in Astoria is a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the strength that lies in community, love, and the pursuit of joy in life's many chapters.
(0)