Autism Awareness Event and Veteran & Senior Fair — Galesburg, April 2026

State Rep. Dan Swanson, autism advocate Nicholas McMahill, Monmouth College student Lexy Clay, and Deb Grey-Gibson, legislative assistant for Senator Mike Halpin, join Galesburg's Morning News to preview two free community events coming up later this month. The Autism Awareness Event is Thursday, April 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Galesburg Public Library, 264 W. Main St., Galesburg. The Veteran and Senior Fair is Wednesday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Vault, 185 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg. Both events are free and open to the public. Topics covered in this interview: What the Autism Awareness Event is and how it has grown over three years Nicholas McMahill's personal journey — diagnosed with autism in high school What autism actually is — and what it isn't Common misconceptions about autism and the spectrum Organizations and agencies participating in the April 23 resource fair Mayor Peter Schwartzman's proclamation at the event How the community can support those with autism beyond the event Rep. Swanson's annual Veteran and Senior Fair — April 29 at The Vault New features this year — free haircuts and a canned food drive for the Knox County Veteran Assistance Commission pantry How to connect veterans with benefits and services they may not know about   Related: Galesburg autism advocate brings awareness event back April 23 — and a veteran fair follows April 29