They had canvassed neighborhoods in pre-hurricane storms and blistering heat; they'd talked with people who openly scoffed at the idea that an African-American could ever be elected president.

They had stood in the freezing rain the evening of Nov. 4, offering hot coffee and umbrellas to voters standing in line at the polls so that they wouldn't be discouraged and go home without casting their ballots.

They'd braved snapping dogs, angry opposition supporters, and the high emotions of party discord after Hillary Clinton lost the bid for the Democratic candidacy.

These were people who certainly weren't going to let a little snow and ice get in their way.

And so more than 150 residents walked, carpooled, and four-wheel-drove their way to Galaxy Cinema in Cary on Tuesday morning to watch the candidate they worked for take the oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Amidst hugs, tears and cheers, they watched the inauguration fanfare unfold on the big screen as Barack Obama was sworn in as president and Joe Biden as vice president.

Dave and Linda Wilkin volunteered as neighborhood leaders for the Obama-Biden campaign in Cary. They were so committed to the success of the Obama candidacy that they had made hotel reservations in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration almost a year in advance. Their efforts over the months earned them coveted official invitations to the inauguration in the nation's capital -- but the pair chose instead to come to the Galaxy.

"We wanted to spend this day with our neighbors and friends, because that's how this historic moment was made possible -- through the work of ordinary people just like us who wanted the right person at the helm," said Linda.

The theater had expected a sell-out crowd for the event; people began picking up tickets weeks in advance. Although the icy weather conditions did keep some people away, theater five was crowded and boisterous.

Because only two Galaxy Cinema staff members were able to make it in to work, inauguration attendees pitched in to helped greet patrons at the door and steer them toward their seats, as well as to the free bagels and cream cheese offered by the theater. Along with the joyful neighborliness of the gathering, the aroma of hot coffee and freshly popped corn provided a warm welcome on a very cold day.

"We were glad to offer this chance for the community to get together for this important time," said one of Galaxy Cinema's owners, Siva Allu, in between serving up popcorn and checking the projection quality and sound in place of the theater's snowed-in projectionist. "People can come here not just to sit quietly and watch a movie but for events like this, when it's great to be with others. It's a good feeling."

And that was evident today, as Cary residents tearfully shouted, "Yes, we can!" in the face of elements that might have told them otherwise.

"President Obama's leadership shows us that there are no more barriers," said Ruth Merkle. "It's no longer just 'Yes, we can,' but 'Yes, we must.' Whether we can do it or not is no longer a question; it's the fact that we owe it to our families, our communities, our country and our world to make sure that we as individuals do what needs to be done."

And with that, Merkle walked out to the snowy parking lot to head home. She turned to wave at some of her fellow celebrants, who were busily discussing work they'd been doing since the election on community projects such as a food-bank contribution effort, a youth-services program, and advocacy for the United States to join the International Criminal Court.

"Stay warm and stay well!" Merkle called. "We've got a lot of work to do."

- Kimberly Yaman is marketing director at Galaxy Cinema in Cary. She also coordinated Cary and Apex phone-bank operations as a volunteer for the Obama-Biden campaign.