To wear or not to wear -- a helmet.

That is the question motorcyclists in Mercer County and across Pennsylvania will be answering after 12:01 a.m. Thursday when Pennsylvania's 35-year-old helmet law expires.

Local bikers can celebrate their new freedom of choice at two different events marking the law's repeal.

Quaker Steak & Lube, along with the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education, will hold a "Freedom to Choose Bike Nite" with a helmet- smashing ceremony at 8:30 p.m. today at the restaurant on West Connelly Boulevard in Sharon.

Bob O'Hare, owner of Performance Cycle, 74 Sharpsville Ave., Sharon, has a "No Helmet Midnight Run!" planned. Bikers are invited to gather at his store at 11:30 tonight and take their first helmet-free ride at 12:01 a.m.

O'Hare said coffee, soft drinks, bottled water and pizza will be provided and riders should not show up drunk.