Who says Arlington can't have a First Night, of sorts? For a start, you can have an ice sculpture, and that's what Leader Bank provided on the afternoon of the last day of 2012.

As the sculpture welcoming in 2013 was unveiled, Alan Manoian, the town's economic-development coordinator, holds the bank's banner, and Sushil Tuli, CEO and president of Leader Bank, applauds.

"You can feel the warmth, can't you?" Manoian asked with wry humor, as about 25 people in coats gathered at Leader Plaza, across from Arlington High School.

Manoian welcomed town officials, including Frederick Ryan, the police chief, and Selectman Joseph Curro Jr., before heading into the mortgage center for food that the bank provided.

Who knows? A larger celebration may be in the works for New Year's Eve 2013.

This photo and extended caption were published Monday, Dec. 31, 2012.