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Astoria's Pier 39 played host to a vibrant gathering of van enthusiasts and reggae music lovers over the course of a four-day event known as Rigs and Reggae. The event, co-hosted by Pino's Adventures and founded by the dynamic duo Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, brought together approximately 100 campers for a celebration of the nomadic lifestyle and the infectious rhythm of reggae.
Running from August 27 to August 30, the event offered attendees the opportunity to enjoy reggae music and camping in vans and tents. Local businesses around Pier 39 contributed to the experience by providing food and drinks, creating an atmosphere of community support and camaraderie.
The van community, known for its tight-knit and adventurous spirit, gathered to share stories and create lasting memories. Many of the van enthusiasts, like Coleman and Perales, balance their full-time jobs with the pursuit of a nomadic lifestyle. They utilize their time off to live as freely as possible in their Storyteller Overland vans, seeking the joy of the open road.
One such enthusiast, Babba Gi, a 75-year-old retiree, has spent a decade of his life living in a Sprinter van, his choice of which he describes as "the best vehicle I could buy for the price I could afford and Mercedes appealed to me." Gi, originally from Ealing, outside of London, finds solace and adventure in his van life, which he likens to the decommissioned Battersea Power Station, famous for its connection to Pink Floyd's "Animals" album cover.
Gi's preference for small gatherings such as Rigs and Reggae is clear, as he appreciates the intimate setting with about 50 to 100 vans in attendance. He explains, "There are a never-ending variety of places to travel and support a function like this," gesturing towards the vast array of vans visible to the eye.
The event was the third time that Coleman and Perales, who have been attending van-centric events for a decade, decided to host their own gathering. After holding the event in Toledo, Oregon, for the first two years, they brought it to Astoria for its third iteration. The event was meticulously planned, with Coleman and Perales starting the setup process on Wednesday, followed by the official kick-off on Thursday.
Attendees began trickling in through the front gate set up at the dock on Friday, and a shuttle service was provided to transport groups to the music stage. The event's success was a testament to the hard work of about 12 volunteers who contributed to making Rigs and Reggae a memorable experience.
The event attracted a diverse range of participants, from their 20s to their 70s and beyond. According to Coleman, attendees "are just enjoying life, you know, going out in natural places, seeing nature, just, you know, enjoying seeing places."
Perales spoke to the inclusive nature of the van community, noting the safety and support that it provides. "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. … You're not just out there by yourself. 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 event's spirit was further reinforced by the camaraderie and the joy of being together, all under the backdrop of reggae music. As the event drew to a close, it was evident that Rigs and Reggae had left a lasting impression on the attendees, leaving them with a sense of community and the excitement of the road ahead.
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