Astoria, Oregon, played host to a vibrant gathering of van enthusiasts and reggae music lovers at Pier 39 this past weekend. The Rigs and Reggae event, co-hosted by Pino's Adventures and founded by Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, drew approximately 100 campers to the waterfront for a four-day celebration of freedom and fun.
The event, which ran from August 27th to August 30th, featured live reggae music, van and tent camping, and a variety of food and drink options provided by local businesses. The van community, known for its nomadic lifestyle and love for adventure, was out in full force, with attendees ranging in age from their 20s to 70s and beyond.
One such attendee was Babba Gi, a 75-year-old van dweller who has spent the last 10 years living in a Sprinter van. Gi, originally from Ealing, an area in London known for its connection to Pink Floyd's "Animals" album cover, chose the Sprinter for its affordability and reliability. "The Sprinter is the best vehicle I could buy for the price I could afford and Mercedes appealed to me," he said.
Gi's preference for small gatherings like Rigs and Reggae is shared by many in the van community. "There are a never-ending variety of places to travel and support a function like this," he explained, gesturing to the sea of vans that surrounded him. The event provided an opportunity for van enthusiasts to connect, share stories, and make new friends, with many of the attendees bringing their pets along for the adventure.
Organizers Coleman and Perales, who have been attending van-centric events for a decade, decided to create their own event after witnessing the tight-knit community that thrived at these gatherings. "We wanted to host an event that showcased the van community and the joy of living life on the road," Coleman said.
The event began on Wednesday with organizers setting up the camp area and main stage. The festivities officially kicked off on Thursday, with attendees trickling in through the front gate at the dock. A shuttle service was provided to transport groups of people to the music stage, where the sounds of reggae filled the air.
Approximately 12 volunteers helped make the event a success, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that attendees had a memorable experience. "We're just enjoying life, you know, going out in natural places, seeing nature, just, you know, enjoying seeing places," Coleman said.
Perales emphasized the inclusive nature of the van community, noting that the event was a safe space for single females to attend and feel supported. "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," he said.
The Rigs and Reggae festival was a testament to the power of community and the joy of living life on the road. As the event came to a close, attendees reflected on the weekend's experiences and the connections they had made. For many, it was just the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with adventure and camaraderie.
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