By Jessica Dillon and Debbie Hall
A Nov. 15 Toys for Tots fundraiser at Bryant Radio in Collinsville drew noise complaints from nearby residents and spawned an online rumor that law enforcement shut down the event. Despite that, the annual sound-competition fund raiser brought in an estimated $2,000 to $2,500 to help provide Christmas gifts for local children. Funds are raised through raffle tickets on manufacturer-donated products, with some participants also making additional contributions.
The competition came under scrutiny from supervisor-elect Chris Lawless, who posted images of the county’s sound ordinance on social media and alleged that Joe Bryant, the business owner who hosted the event, knew the law and ignored it.
“I am aware of the noise ordinance, because I passed the noise ordinance,” said Bryant, who is the current Collinsville District Supervisor and vice chairman of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. “I’m in a business zone here in Collinsville.”
Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis said Lawless contacted him around 3 p.m. the day of the event, and told Davis that he had received several calls from “his people,” and that something needed to be done about the sound competition.
Davis said he explained the competition was part of a fundraiser to benefit youngsters, but told Lawless that he would call Bryant.
During that conversation, Davis said he told Bryant that his office had received numerous complaints about the noise.
“You know that I do this every single year, I’ve done it forever,” Bryant said he told Davis. “I already went out and told people not to play their radios loud.”
Davis also learned that the competition was concluding anyway, with only one participant left. Bryant asked if the event could end after that final performance. Davis agreed, and the competition ended within minutes.
“At no time did I have to exercise law enforcement authority. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate. That’s not what happened. We worked out a resolution that it would be concluded within a matter of minutes,” Davis said. “No enforcement action was required or taken.”
Online, Lawless apologized to his “neighbors who were trying to sleep,” and noted a compromise was reached. Lawless also said he doesn’t want the sound competitions in Collinsville anymore.
“I don’t understand why people get so upset about something that is a short period of time that raises money for Toys for Tots,” Bryant said of the event that helps children in need.
“The reason we had it here is because we had the toy drop-off at our business,” Bryant said. “I understand that it’s loud. We do it in the daytime,” and the business is located in an Enterprise Zone. The event also boosts tourism efforts. Participants “come from all over and help provide toys to children in this area,” Bryant said, and added that this and similar events offer a positive hobby for the younger generation.
“A lot of these young kids live in it and thrive in it. It’s like a family,” he said, and noted other community events, like races at Martinsville Speedway and benefit motorcycle rides, also create noise.
Bryant said Saturday’s event was smaller than the two other competitions he moved to the Smith River Sports Complex earlier this year, which cost $500 that he pays out of pocket.
Bryant said he doesn’t understand why Saturday’s event became an issue, noting it was a charitable fundraiser. The controversy surrounding it came as a surprise, he said.
“I’ve done this event every year since 1988. I’ve been running these shows longer than a lot of the people complaining have been alive. I’m showing people what it’s like for someone like us to serve this community the whole time, and then to come down on us” is reason to question future events.
After Saturday, “I may not do it anymore,” Bryant said. “It was like the Grinch was in town and raining on it.”
