HISTORY

Zip to Zap participant forgives soldier who stabbed him with bayonet

The National Guard arrived to restore order when the now-legendary 1969 spring break party in western North Dakota got out of hand.

Written By: David Olson | 6:00 am, Jun. 1, 2021

WILLISTON, N.D. — When Curt Krebsbach talks about his life, the 70-year-old will tell you stories about working in all kinds of jobs in all kinds of places around the United States and the world.

If life has been something of a wild ride for the Williston native, perhaps it's because he had something of a wild start. ... Krebsbach was in his late teens when he took part in the "Zip to Zap" event in May 1969.

Zip to Zap began as an alternative spring break destination suggested by the North Dakota State University newspaper, "The Spectrum," but it transformed into a legendary event in state history when throngs of young people showed up to party in the small town of Zap.

Initially welcomed, the young people ultimately turned unruly, leading to the National Guard being called in to restore order.

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