Here are The Salem News' best bets for the weekend:
Families with children are invited to Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary's Groundhog Day Extravaganza today, from 1 to 4 p.m., at 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield. Festivities include nature hikes, snow sculptures, a groundhog obstacle course, crafts, refreshments and other ongoing activities. A groundhog celebration and puppet show will be held at 2 p.m. in the barn. Attendees should dress warmly as some events take place outside. Admission costs $9 for adults and $7 for children, and discounts are available for Mass Audubon members. Advance registration is required at 978-887-9264.
Support the North Shore Women's Rugby Football Club tonight at its third annual silent auction fundraiser, from 6 to 9 p.m., at O'Neill's Pub, located at 120 Washington St., Salem. The event features various auction items, a door prize and 50-50 raffle, with all proceeds going to the club to help cover its annual costs and purchase equipment. For more information, contact Janine Wuschke at 978-210-6204, Lindsay Costa at 617-686-8279, or visit www.nswomensrugby.com.
Author Amy Kwei will discuss her book “A Concubine for the Family — A Family Saga in China” tomorrow at 2 p.m., at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers, located at 15 Sylvan St. Kwei's discussion will include details about Chinese customs and the Chinese New Year. A reception will follow her talk. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Peabody Institute Library, Danvers, and all are welcome to attend. For more information, visit http://www.danverslibrary.org/.
