Pittsburgh's Italian-American community will celebrate Columbus Day with a parade tomorrow down Bloomfield's Liberty Avenue. The grand marshal is Carla E. Lucente, the city's Italian consul and a Romance languages professor at Duquesne University.

"It's an opportunity for the Italian-American organizations in Western Pennsylvania to celebrate their proud traditions and heritage," said Guy Costa, the parade chairman and the city's public works director. He said he anticipates several thousand participants, including high school bands, ethnic dance groups and organizations with colorful floats. This year's parade features an authentic gondola and is sponsored by the Italian Sons & Daughters of America.

The 11 a.m. parade will close Liberty from Baum Boulevard to the Bloomfield Bridge, and some side streets, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Access to Western Pennsylvania Hospital for emergency vehicles will be preserved.