Quick question: What do you know about the 100-year history of standardbreds racing on the ice in Gagetown, New Brunswick? If the topic is a new one to you, rest assured in the fact that you are not alone.

You can also rest assured that a short, informative video made by young Mackenzie Scott will bring you right up to speed.

"No one is exactly sure when winter racing began in Gagetown, but we do know from historical records that it was a popular pastime in communities along the St. John River during the 1850s," Scott explained during her four-minute video.

Scott put the historical video together for a submission to Canada History for Kids' 'Kayak Illustrated History Challenge.' The challenge looks to help strengthen both literacy skills and Canadian historical knowledge by encouraging Canadian kids between the ages of 7–14 to create their own illustrated story based on any element of Canada’s past they find of interest. The submissions are evaluated by a panel of judges on 1) creativity and originality; 2) content and story composition; 3) Grammar, spelling and quality of writing; 4) Use of illustrations to support the story.

The writers behind the top two submissions --- one French and one English --- will receive a $1,000 RESP and a trip to Ottawa.

"There was little published information on the topic, so I interviewed the sons and daughters of people who participated to learn more," Scott explained about her four-minute piece. "Along with a visual display of pictures and various artifacts, I created a six-page report, and played a song about a horse that raced on the ice during my presentation."

The video includes photographs, historical documents, interview clips, on-track and in-stable footage and more.

Two winners are selected from each province and Territory according to the number of votes received. To vote for a video, people can click on the 'vote' button on the righthand side of the video profile page. Voters will need to supply a valid email address, and only one vote per email address is allowed. Voting opened on June 11, and continues until August 7.

To view the video and to vote for it, click here.