Astoria, Ore. – The waterfront of Pier 39 in Astoria was transformed into a vibrant hub of music and camaraderie over the weekend as the third annual Rigs and Reggae event drew hundreds of enthusiasts. The four-day festival, which ran from August 27 to August 30, was a celebration of the nomadic lifestyle, featuring reggae music, camping, and a sense of community among van dwellers.
Organized by Christine Coleman and Peter Perales, the event was a testament to the growing popularity of the van community, a tight-knit group that values freedom, adventure, and a connection to nature. The event was co-hosted by Pino's Adventures and attracted around 100 campers who gathered to enjoy the music, food, and the company of fellow van enthusiasts.
The festival's founders, Coleman and Perales, have been part of the van community for a decade, attending various events and eventually deciding to create their own. "We wanted to host an event that brought people together, shared our love for the nomadic lifestyle, and celebrated the spirit of adventure," said Coleman.
The event was a blend of music and camping, with attendees setting up tents and vans around the Pier 39 waterfront. Local businesses supplied a variety of food and drinks, ensuring that everyone had a taste of the local flavors. The reggae music, provided by local bands, added a festive atmosphere to the gathering.
One of the standout figures at the event was Babba Gi, a 75-year-old van dweller who has been living in his Sprinter van for the past 10 years. Gi, who hails from Ealing, an area near London, chose his van 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 story is one of many that reflect the diverse backgrounds and motivations of the van community. Some, like Coleman and Perales, maintain full-time jobs and use their time off to live as nomadically as possible. Others, like Gi, have chosen to live in their vans full-time, seeking adventure and a simpler life.
The event was not just about music and camping; it was also about the sense of community that the van community fosters. "This is our community, and we want to show people that if you have a van, there are safe places to go, organized events," said Perales. "You're not just out there by yourself."
The event attracted a diverse crowd, with attendees ranging from their 20s to their 70s and beyond. Coleman and Perales were thrilled to see such a wide age range, noting that the event was a place where people could come together and enjoy life, nature, and the camaraderie of the van community.
The organizers also highlighted the safety and inclusivity of the event. "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," said Perales. "And they're gonna feel safe."
The success of the Rigs and Reggae event is a testament to the growing popularity of the van community and the desire for a lifestyle that combines adventure, freedom, and a connection to nature. As the event concluded, attendees left with a sense of fulfillment and a renewed appreciation for the nomadic spirit.
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