Dark clouds and wind didn’t dampen the Independence Day spirit at a number of Sequim-area Fourth of July events.

The Sequim Elks Lodge hosted a benefit for disabled veterans featuring numerous bands, with donations going to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9, based in Port Angeles, which serves Clallam and Jefferson counties.

KSQM 91.5 FM hosted its “Monday July 4th Independence Day Celebration” at the station, an event that featured Sequim Valley Car Club with vintage cars, Fire District 3 truck and ladder, tours of the station and more.

Finally, the Sequim City Band played patriotic tunes for a crowded house its annual Fourth of July Concert at the James Center. The band rolled out familiar tune like “Stars and Stripes Forever,” plus “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful” and — to honor local service men and women — ”Armed Forces Salute.”