The Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Commission held an all dance parade recently in Burlington, Vt. The event, scheduled to commence rain or shine, celebrated the 400th anniversary of French explorer and cartographer Samuel de Champlain’s travels to the lake that now bears his name. And it did not include all professionals—professional dancers, that is.

One local window film provider was so determined to participate, that even torrential rains didn’t turn its employees away.

“I was enthusiastic and excited about participating, even in the rain,” says Betty Sargent, employee of Gordon’s Window Décor in Essex Junction, Vt. “Our passion as a whole was great despite the poor weather.”

With the help of renowned choreographer Karen Amirault, the group mastered a special dance routine reflecting their enthusiasm for the community. Following weeks of evening practices, the staff felt ready to rock and roll for the celebration.

“Although our choreography did not win us a Dancing with the Stars award, the crowd’s cheering and enthusiasm was warming through the downpour and kept our team going strong,” says Gordon Clements, president of Gordon’s Window Décor. “It was a great team building experience and we had a lot of fun out there.”

The parade itself included dance routines from around the world including the Abenaki Nation, The Bosnian Lilies Folk Dance Group, Peru Mestizo Inc., various dance studios from around the area, appearances from Senator Bernie Sanders and Vermont Governor Jim Douglas. The group form Gordon’s Window Décor was among 70 to participate in the event.